M23 rebels declare control over Goma amid escalating conflict in eastern DRC

In a dramatic turn of events, the M23 rebels announced early Monday that they have captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This comes just minutes before the expiration of a 48-hour ultimatum issued to the Congolese army (FARDC) to surrender their arms.

The rebels issued a statement calling for calm among Goma’s residents, stating, “We call on all residents of Goma to remain calm. The liberation of the city has been successfully completed and the situation is under control.” They have instructed all military personnel to gather at the central Unity Stadium by 3:00 AM local time.

The M23 had previously warned of advancing on Goma if the FARDC did not comply with their demands. They also closed Goma’s airspace on Sunday, citing the government’s military use of the airport, and suspended activities on Lake Kivu.

Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for M23, emphasized, “The FARDC must hand over all their weapons and equipment to MONUSCO,” the UN peacekeeping mission in Congo. This statement was made as the deadline set by the rebels elapsed without the government yielding.

The conflict has intensified since its resurgence in 2021, with the government coalition comprising not only the Congolese army but also the genocidal FDLR militia, 10,000 Burundian forces, 1,600 European mercenaries, and South Africa-led SADC forces. The recent weeks have seen M23 capturing strategic towns like Minova in South Kivu and Masisi in North Kivu, following the assassination of North Kivu’s Military Governor Peter Cirimwami.

The government has suffered significant losses, including the death of the FDLR’s top commander, ‘Maj Gen’ Pacifique Ntawunguka, alias Omega, alongside casualties among SADC and UN forces.

Despite the M23’s push for direct peace talks, the Congolese government has firmly rejected negotiations, branding M23 as a terrorist organization. Regional peace efforts have failed to curb the violence, leading to a continued military approach by the government.

Rwanda has voiced concerns over the conflict, particularly criticizing statements that do not contribute to solutions. Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted, “The ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, particularly the recent heavy fighting around Goma, was triggered by constant violations of the ceasefire by the Congolese armed forces in coalition with UN-sanctioned genocidal militia FDLR, European mercenaries, ethnic militias, Burundian armed forces, SAMIDRC forces as well as MONUSCO troops.” This conflict near Rwanda’s border poses a significant security threat, prompting Rwanda to maintain a defensive stance.

The situation in Goma and the broader Eastern DRC remains highly volatile, with significant implications for regional peace and security.