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The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has escalated as the M23 rebel group claims control over the strategic city of Goma. This development represents a significant setback for the Congolese army and raises concerns about stability in the region.
Background: Who Are the M23 Rebels?
The M23 (March 23 Movement) is a rebel group that emerged in 2012, primarily composed of former soldiers from the Congolese army who mutinied. The group claims to be fighting for the rights of Congolese Tutsis and has been accused of receiving support from neighboring Rwanda—an allegation Rwanda denies. After a period of dormancy following a 2013 peace deal, M23 resurfaced in late 2021, launching a series of attacks in the eastern DRC, a region long plagued by violence from multiple armed groups.
The Fall of Goma and Its Impact
On Tuesday, Greg Ramm, country director for Save the Children in DRC, described the rapidly shifting situation, stating, “We have reports that neighborhoods are calm, but a few minutes later, we hear reports of new shelling.” Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office, confirmed that heavy gunfire and mortar attacks continue in the streets, with multiple casualties reported by UN staff on the ground.
The capture of Goma is particularly alarming because the city serves as a crucial hub for humanitarian aid operations. The World Food Programme announced that food assistance activities in and around Goma “have been temporarily paused” due to the escalating violence, exacerbating an already dire food shortage crisis.
Attacks on Diplomatic MissionsAs tensions flare, foreign embassies have become targets of violent protests. Kenya’s principal secretary for foreign affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, condemned attacks on Kenyan, Ugandan, and South African embassies by demonstrators expressing their anger over the conflict. The French embassy was also attacked, though French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed that a fire in the building had been brought under control. The US embassy in Kinshasa has advised its citizens to “shelter in place and avoid movements.”
Regional and International Response
The crisis has drawn international concern. French Foreign Minister Barrot warned that “the city is in real difficulty, and if it hasn’t fallen overnight, it will in the coming days.” He called on Rwanda to de-escalate the situation and urged a return to diplomatic dialogue.
Meanwhile, South Africa has confirmed the deaths of three soldiers caught in the crossfire on Monday, bringing the total number of South African troop fatalities in the past week to 13. These troops were part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission deployed to help stabilize the region.
A Humanitarian Catastrophe Unfolding
The fighting has triggered mass displacement, with thousands of residents fleeing Goma.
This adds to an already staggering number of displaced people in the region—over three million were displaced in eastern DRC last year alone, and the numbers continue to rise.
The situation remains highly volatile, with concerns growing over further regional destabilization.
The coming days will be crucial in determining whether diplomatic efforts can prevent a prolonged conflict or whether the violence will continue to spiral out of control.
