Violent clashes erupted in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on Monday as Congolese forces fought M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan troops killing at least 21 and leaving 370 injured, as artillery fire and gunshots echoed throughout the city, home to over a million people and thousands of internally displaced individuals, “Europe 1”reported.
The fighting followed M23’s rapid advances toward Goma over recent weeks. The group, reinforced by thousands of Rwandan soldiers, has moved closer to the city’s center, creating chaos and sparking a humanitarian crisis.
Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed, with medical teams working around the clock to treat civilian casualties.
The African Union Peace and Security Council will convene on Tuesday to discuss the escalating conflict. The UN Security Council is also set to address the crisis, which has displaced over 500,000 people in January alone, according to the UN.
The UN warns that civilians bear the brunt of the violence, with displacement figures growing daily. “The situation is extremely worrying,” said a Red Cross official in North Kivu.
City Under Siege
Heavy gunfire continued into Monday evening near Goma’s airport, though the full situation remains unclear as local sources struggle to determine which parts of the city are under M23 control and which are held by Congolese forces. Residents report ongoing violence, prison escapes, and soldiers fleeing across Lake Kivu into neighboring Bukavu.
Regional and International Responses
The conflict has reignited tensions between DRC and Rwanda. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of a direct military invasion, citing recent troop deployments near Goma as an “open declaration of war.” Rwanda denies the claims, framing its actions as defensive.
Kenya has stepped in, organizing a summit between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to mediate the crisis. Meanwhile, international actors, including the UN and EU, are pressing for de-escalation.
Historical Context and Ongoing Struggles
This is not Goma’s first encounter with the M23. The group briefly seized the city in 2012 before withdrawing under a peace agreement. Although militarily defeated in 2013, M23 has re-emerged as a potent threat in the region, exploiting unresolved ethnic and political tensions.
As Goma endures another wave of violence, its residents are caught in a battle fueled by regional power struggles, resource exploitation, and unfulfilled peace agreements. The coming days will test the international community’s ability to mediate and mitigate the devastating effects of this conflict.