M23 Rebels Declare War After Claiming Control of DR Congo's Key City, Goma

Gunfire echoed across various parts of Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), after M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, declared they had seized control of the city. This development occurred despite the United Nations Security Council’s call for an immediate halt to the ongoing offensive.

The situation escalated further as reports emerged of gunfire exchanges between Congolese and Rwandan forces along their shared border, raising fears of a broader conflict. The M23 rebel group made its claim just before a 48-hour deadline it had imposed on Congolese troops to surrender their weapons expired. The rebels urged the residents of Goma to remain calm and instructed members of the DRC military to assemble at the central stadium.

Witnesses confirmed that the M23 rebels had advanced into the center of Goma. One witness shared a short video showing heavily armed men moving through the streets. The capture of Goma by M23 rebels has caused the displacement of thousands of people in the mineral-rich eastern DRC, exacerbating concerns that this could reignite larger regional hostilities. For several days, M23 fighters had been engaged in fierce battles with the Congolese army and UN peacekeepers on the outskirts of the city.

The ongoing conflict over Goma is just the latest chapter in a long history of instability in the eastern DRC, an area that has been plagued by ethnic rivalries, armed militia violence, and regional disputes for over 30 years. This prolonged instability has led to one of the world’s most devastating humanitarian crises, with countless lives lost and millions displaced.

In response to the situation, DRC government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya posted a video on social media calling for the protection of civilians and declaring that the country is now in a “war situation.” The capture of Goma marks a dangerous turn in the conflict, and there are growing concerns that it could trigger a wider regional war, further destabilizing the region.

With Goma now under rebel control, the international community is closely watching the situation, hoping for efforts to de-escalate the violence and bring an end to the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.