In a rapid advance that has displaced tens of thousands, M23 rebels have announced their capture of Goma, a major city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Videos shared by residents show rebel fighters patrolling Goma’s streets after clashes with the Congolese army on Sunday.
The once-bustling city of over a million is now eerily quiet following hours of gunfire and explosions, local media reported. Thousands have fled nearby towns, adding to a growing humanitarian crisis.
The escalation comes amid heightened tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. DRC’s foreign minister accused Rwanda of effectively declaring war by supporting M23 rebels with troops crossing the border. Rwanda, in turn, alleges Kinshasa backs militias seeking to destabilize Kigali.
Kenyan President William Ruto, chair of the East African Community, has called for an immediate ceasefire and announced an emergency summit involving leaders from the DRC and Rwanda. “Regional leaders must step up to facilitate a peaceful resolution,” Ruto said.
Since 2021, the M23 group has seized significant territory in the mineral-rich eastern DRC. Their latest push toward Goma has intensified fighting, displacing more than 400,000 people in North and South Kivu provinces since the start of 2025, according to the UN refugee agency.
Alice Feza, a displaced resident, expressed despair after fleeing multiple towns, including Kiwanja and Rutshuru, before finally arriving in Goma. “We have nowhere left to go. The war finds us everywhere,” she said.
The UN reported blocked roads and a non-operational airport in Goma, complicating evacuation and relief efforts. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Rwanda to withdraw its forces from DRC territory and called on M23 rebels to halt their advance.
“Rwanda must cease support for M23 and withdraw from the DRC,” Guterres said, adding that the rebels should “immediately cease all hostile actions.”
The crisis has drawn international condemnation. The UK called for an end to attacks on peacekeepers, while France’s UN representative, Nicolas de Rivière, echoed demands for Rwanda to pull back.
Rwanda’s UN representative, Ernest Rwamucyo, countered by accusing the Congolese army of violating ceasefires and criticized the international community for siding against M23.
Meanwhile, the UN has begun withdrawing non-essential staff from Goma, though critical operations continue.
The M23 group emerged in 2012, claiming to protect the Tutsi population in eastern DRC, which has long faced persecution. Critics accuse Rwanda of using the rebels to exploit the region’s mineral wealth, including gold, cobalt, and tantalum.
This latest escalation threatens to further destabilize the region, raising concerns over the safety of civilians and the prospects for peace.