Goma Under Siege

Nairobi,

Wednesday, 29 January, 2025 

McCreadie Andias 

 – The city of Goma, a strategic hub in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has become the epicenter of a rapidly escalating crisis. The resurgence of the M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has plunged the region into turmoil, leading to significant humanitarian, political, and security challenges.

The M23 movement, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsi fighters, re-emerged in 2022 after a decade-long hiatus. Initially, their activities were confined to rural areas, but recent offensives have brought them to the doorstep of Goma. 

On January 27, 2025, M23 fighters entered the city, leading to intense clashes with the Congolese army. The conflict has resulted in over 100 fatalities and left more than 1,000 injured, overwhelming local healthcare facilities.

The fighting has precipitated a dire humanitarian crisis. Essential services, including electricity, water, and internet, have been disrupted. Hospitals are inundated with casualties from gunfire and explosions, and aid organizations such as Save The Children and World Vision have suspended operations due to the escalating violence. Reports of sexual violence have also surfaced, exacerbating the plight of the vulnerable.

The displacement crisis is staggering. In January alone, over 500,000 people have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded camps or with host families. The International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Food Program are struggling to deliver critical aid amidst the deteriorating security situation.

The M23's resurgence has reignited tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. Kinshasa accuses Kigali of supporting the rebels, a claim Rwanda denies despite United Nations reports suggesting otherwise. The conflict threatens to destabilize the broader Great Lakes region, with fears of a wider war looming.

International reactions have been swift. The United States has advised its citizens to leave the DRC amid the escalating violence. Protests have erupted in Kinshasa, targeting embassies of countries perceived to support M23, including violent incidents at the Kenyan, Ugandan, Rwandan, South African, and U.S. embassies.

In response to the escalating conflict, the DRC government has taken decisive diplomatic measures. On January 25, 2025, Kinshasa announced the immediate recall of its diplomats from Kigali, citing Rwanda's alleged support for the M23 rebels. 

The Congolese government accused Rwanda of deploying additional troops to bolster the M23 offensive, describing it as a "declaration of war." This move underscores the deepening rift between the two nations. 

Rwanda, on the other hand, has consistently denied any involvement with the M23 rebels. In a recent statement, the Rwandan government refuted the allegations, asserting that it has no control over the actions of the M23 and emphasizing its commitment to regional stability. 

Rwanda has also called for dialogue and diplomatic engagement to resolve the crisis, urging all parties to adhere to existing ceasefire agreements.

Amid the escalating tensions, regional leaders have intensified diplomatic efforts to address the crisis. Kenyan President William Ruto convened an emergency meeting of the East African Community (EAC) in Nairobi, urging both President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda to engage in dialogue. 

President Ruto emphasized the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict, highlighting the risk it poses to thousands of lives and regional stability. The meeting underscored the EAC's commitment to facilitating dialogue and de-escalation between the conflicting parties. 

Local residents are bearing the brunt of the conflict. Marie, a mother of three, described the harrowing experience: "We heard gunshots all night. In the morning, we fled with nothing but the clothes on our backs. There's no safe place to go." she said to an international media outlet, Such stories are tragically common as families seek safety amid the chaos.

The international community is grappling with how to respond. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and is facilitating diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions. However, the withdrawal of UN peacekeeping forces from the region has left a security vacuum, complicating efforts to stabilize the area.

African leaders are also stepping in. The African Union has convened emergency meetings to address the crisis, urging both the DRC and Rwanda to engage in dialogue and respect ceasefire agreements. Regional bodies are emphasizing the need for a coordinated approach to prevent further escalation.