M23 Declares Control Over Goma, Urges Residents to Stay Calm
On Monday, January 27, the M23 Movement announced it had taken control of Goma, urging residents to remain calm and assuring them of stability under their leadership.
In a statement released by the movement’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, M23 confirmed the expiration of the 48-hour ultimatum given to government forces (FARDC) to surrender their weapons.
“Yesterday marks a victorious moment as Goma has been liberated. M23 informs the public and the international community that the deadline for the FARDC to lay down their arms has passed,” the statement read.
M23 further instructed all FARDC troops to surrender their weapons to MONUSCO and report to Stade de l’Unité by 3:00 AM local time. “After this deadline, the city of Goma will be fully under the control of our movement,” the statement continued.
The movement also announced the suspension of activities on Lake Kivu until further notice, promising to issue updates on when operations would resume.
In an appeal to the public, M23 urged calm, stating, “We ask all residents of Goma to remain at ease. The city’s liberation was carried out efficiently, and everything is now under our control.”
The announcement came after heavy clashes between M23 forces and government troops on Sunday morning. M23 fighters advanced into Goma from the Nyiragongo Territory after forcing FARDC forces to retreat.
Reports indicate that hundreds of FARDC soldiers have since surrendered their weapons to MONUSCO in an effort to avoid further conflict and maintain peace.
