Gunfire erupted across Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, announced their capture of the city. The seizure comes despite calls from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for an immediate end to the offensive.
In a statement on X, DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya confirmed the presence of Rwandan troops in Goma and urged residents to stay indoors to avoid violence. Muyaya accused Rwanda of harboring “manifest intentions” of escalating the conflict.
Earlier, the M23 rebels declared they had seized Goma, describing the event as a “declaration of war” by Rwanda, according to DRC officials. The announcement coincided with the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum given by M23 for Congolese troops to surrender their weapons. Witnesses in Goma reported armed rebels in the city center, triggering panic among its two million residents.
The fighting has forced thousands of people to flee their homes in DRC’s mineral-rich eastern region, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. The region has been plagued by ethnic tensions, armed militias, and decades of violence.
In response to the M23 offensive, the DRC severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda and called for international sanctions against its neighbor. Meanwhile, President Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have agreed to attend a meeting to address the crisis, facilitated by Kenya’s President William Ruto.
At an emergency UNSC meeting, DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner accused Rwanda of openly violating Congolese sovereignty by deploying thousands of troops and providing firepower to the M23. Kigali dismissed these allegations, asserting its actions were defensive and necessary to protect its border.
The UNSC issued a statement urging the withdrawal of “external forces” from the DRC but did not explicitly name Rwanda. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed this call, asking Rwanda to remove its troops, a demand Kigali rejected.
The escalating clashes have also claimed the lives of over a dozen UN peacekeepers, further complicating efforts to stabilize the region. As diplomatic talks loom, the situation remains tense, with fears of a broader regional conflict growing.