Armed M23 rebels announced on Monday that they have taken control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, escalating one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts. The Congolese government labeled the move a “declaration of war” as the United Nations reported widespread panic among the city’s two million residents.
The takeover occurred hours before the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued by the rebels, demanding the disarmament of Congolese forces. In a statement, the M23 urged calm among Goma’s residents and instructed military personnel to gather at the city’s central stadium for disarmament.
A Region on Edge
Goma’s capture is a dramatic escalation in the violence plaguing the mineral-rich North Kivu province. The area, already home to over a third of its population displaced by years of conflict, faces a worsening humanitarian crisis. The UN has warned that this latest offensive could force more civilians to flee, further straining already overwhelmed resources.
On Sunday night, UN peacekeepers began processing surrendering Congolese soldiers on Goma’s outskirts. Photographs showed soldiers registering with peacekeepers, many wearing a mix of military and civilian clothing.
The UN’s special representative to Congo, Bintou Keita, described the situation as dire during an emergency UN Security Council meeting. She reported that rebels were using civilians as human shields while advancing toward the city, causing chaos. The closure of Goma’s airport and roadblocks have further isolated the region’s humanitarian hub, leaving it “trapped,” she said.
Diplomatic Fallout
Congo severed diplomatic ties with its neighboring country over the weekend, accusing it of supporting the M23 rebellion. Despite evidence presented by UN experts, the neighboring nation has denied backing the rebels. The surge of violence has already claimed the lives of at least 13 peacekeepers and displaced thousands in recent days.
Congo’s Foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner told the UN Security Council that this was an act of “direct aggression.” Meanwhile, the accused nation dismissed the allegations, blaming Congo for failing to address longstanding issues fueling the crisis.
Global Reactions
The United States and France have called for an immediate ceasefire, urging all parties to stop supporting armed groups. Acting US Ambassador Dorothy Shea warned that measures could be taken to hold those responsible for prolonging the conflict accountable.
The M23’s demands for the Congolese military to surrender their arms highlight a breakdown in recent regional peace efforts. This is the group’s second seizure of Goma, having briefly captured the city in 2012 before international pressure forced their withdrawal.
Civilians on the Run
Residents of Goma are fleeing the violence in large numbers. Hundreds have crossed into the neighboring country seeking refuge, while others remain uncertain about their safety. “I heard there are bombs in Goma too, so now we don’t know where to go,” said Adèle Shimiye, a resident fleeing from a camp near the Rwandan border.
The UN has warned that the humanitarian consequences could be catastrophic if fighting spreads further into the densely populated city. Meanwhile, Congolese forces, supported by UN peacekeepers and regional allies, continue to resist the M23’s advance.
This renewed conflict underscores the fragile state of peace in eastern Congo, leaving its residents bracing for further turmoil.