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Congo And M23 Rebels Hold First Direct Talks In Qatar Amid Hopes For Ceasefire

April 5, 2025, 11:19 pm

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and M23 rebels held their first private discussions in Qatar last week, marking a potential breakthrough in efforts to end escalating violence in the country’s east. A source familiar with the matter confirmed the talks to Reuters on condition of anonymity.

These early negotiations, held discreetly in Doha, are the first direct contact between the two sides since M23 launched a swift offensive that captured the eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu earlier this year. The advance triggered a humanitarian crisis, with thousands killed and hundreds of thousands displaced since January.

The source described the talks as “positive,” noting that the rebel group agreed to withdraw from the strategically important town of Walikale as a gesture of goodwill. Walikale, situated in a mineral-rich region known for its tin reserves, had been a recent flashpoint in the conflict. The rebel group had previously committed to vacating the area but cited ongoing Congolese military drone activity as a reason for the delay.

Two local residents, a government official, and Congolese army sources confirmed that M23 fighters have now left the area. The M23 and Congolese government have yet to comment publicly on the outcome of the discussions.

Further negotiations are scheduled to resume in Doha on April 9, raising hopes that a ceasefire or broader peace framework might emerge.

The fighting in eastern Congo has sparked fears of a wider regional conflict, especially given the presence of Ugandan and Burundian forces in the area. International observers, including the United Nations and Western governments, have accused Rwanda of backing M23 with troops and weapons. Kigali has repeatedly denied these claims, asserting its military actions are defensive responses to threats from Congolese forces and affiliated militias.

The coming talks are seen as a critical opportunity to de-escalate the volatile situation.

Congo And Rwanda Presidents Hold Rare Talks In Qatar As M23 Rebels Advance In Congo

March 19, 2025, 1:40 am

In a dramatic diplomatic initiative, Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame sat down in Qatar on Tuesday for their first ever face-to-face talks since the M23 rebels redoubled their attack in eastern Congo at the start of this year. The talks, brokered by Qatar’s Emir, were intended to calm rising tensions and urge a ceasefire, a joint statement issued by the three governments stated.

The fighting in eastern Congo has deteriorated since January, with the M23 rebels capturing two of the region’s biggest cities. Congo has blamed Rwanda for arming and deploying troops to assist M23, but Rwanda denies its troops are there to back M23, saying they are defending themselves against Congo’s military and hostile militias.

Peace brokering efforts have been frustrated. Another meeting in Angola aimed at sitting down Congolese authorities and M23 leaders also broke up after the rebels pulled out at the eleventh hour. But talks in Qatar led to a consensus on calling for an “immediate and unconditional ceasefire,” with leaders saying they would commit to further negotiations.

A diplomat close to the talks characterized them as “informal” and not meant to supplant current efforts at mediation. The long-running conflict, which is embedded in the legacy of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the race for eastern Congo’s rich mineral resources, has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and killed thousands.

Qatar has increasingly served as a mediator in global conflicts, most recently joining Egypt and the US to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, which broke down on Tuesday. The result of its intervention in the Congo-Rwanda crisis is unclear, but the direct communication between Tshisekedi and Kagame is an important step towards de-escalation.

M23 Rebels Withdraw From Peace Talks With Congo Over EU Sanctions

March 18, 2025, 3:53 am

Rwanda-supported M23 rebels have withdrawn from planned peace talks with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) just a day before direct negotiations were due to start in Angola. The move followed the European Union’s imposition of sanctions on M23 and Rwandan leaders on Monday.

The Congo River Alliance, of which M23 is a part, blamed the EU for acting deliberately to “hinder the highly anticipated talks” with sanctions. The pulling out creates doubts over what would have been the first direct negotiations between the two parties in the conflict, which is the worst to hit the eastern Congo in decades.

M23 has always insisted on direct talks with Kinshasa, but DRC President Félix Tshisekedi had once declined, insisting that the movement was only a proxy for Rwanda. But after recent losses on the battlefield and with pressure from Angola, Tshisekedi on Sunday changed his mind and agreed to send a delegation to Luanda.

Despite M23’s withdrawal, the Congolese government remains committed to the talks. “We confirm our participation at the invitation of the mediators,” said Tina Salama, spokesperson for Tshisekedi.

The fighting, steeped in Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition for the mineral riches of eastern Congo, has grown stronger since January. Two of the largest cities in the region were taken by M23 rebels, leading to thousands of fatalities and displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians.

The United Nations and other world powers have also accused Rwanda of equipping and sending troops to fight alongside the Tutsi-dominated M23 rebels. Rwanda, however, has refuted these claims that its troops are fighting in self-defense against Congolese forces and aggressive militias.

With peace negotiations currently at risk, the fate of diplomatic solutions to bring an end to the violent conflict hangs in the balance.

M23 Rebels Seize Bukavu, Pledge Security After Looting And Violence

February 18, 2025, 3:11 am

Residents of Bukavu, Congo’s second-largest city in the east, on Monday viewed the damage caused by widespread looting following the entry of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. The rebels, a Tutsi-led militia, moved into the heart of Bukavu on Sunday, their deepest penetration since they captured the larger city of Goma in late January.

The capture of Bukavu, a key commercial hub, and nearby Kavumu airport by the rebel movement is another blow to the Congo government. It also stokes a long-standing feud that could ignite a regional war. The government has not proven that Bukavu was in the full grip of M23, but Congolese and Burundian allied troops withdrew from the city to prevent battles in populated areas, leaving a power vacuum which created looting and a breaking of prisoners.

On local radio, in a statement, the M23 coalition declared that they were restoring order in Bukavu. “Our soldiers are taking care of the people and their property to the satisfaction of the whole population,” declared a spokesman.

But for individuals such as Pascal Zulu, whose shop was looted, the consequences have been awful. “They took all my stuff. I am very angry. I don’t know how I am going to repay the loan that I borrowed,” Zulu said.

M23, one of several ethnic Tutsi-led rebel groups in Congo’s war-torn eastern border, now controls more territory than any other group since the Congo Wars ended in 1996–2003. The rebels have also taken control of some of the region’s lucrative mineral deposits, including cobalt, tin, and gold. Congo is one of the world’s largest producers of these minerals, which are crucial to global tech industries.

Rwanda denied claims of funding M23 and deploying soldiers to Congo, invoking its defense of Hutu militias as the excuse.

Uganda General Threatens Military Action In Congo As Regional Tensions Escalate

February 15, 2025, 11:18 pm

Uganda issued a harsh ultimatum to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) town of Bunia, threatening an attack unless “all forces” lay down their arms within 24 hours. The ultimatum was issued by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Uganda chief of defence forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni, in a X post on Saturday.

Kainerugaba said that he had permission from his father for the operation, but a Ugandan military spokesman said he had nothing to say. His comments came after unconfirmed reports that members of the Bahima tribe are being killed in Congo. “No one on this earth can kill my people and think he will not suffer for it!” Kainerugaba wrote, later claiming that “Bunia will soon be in UPDF hands,” referring to the Uganda People’s Defence Force.

The Congolese government, in response through Prime Minister Judith Suminwa at an African Union summit, refused to comment. Nevertheless, Kainerugaba’s remark has generated concerns that the current fighting between Congolese troops and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels could escalate into a wider regional war.

Previous reports are that Uganda sent more than 1,000 soldiers to the east of Congo, purportedly to fight against Islamist extremists. But UN officials believe Uganda has been assisting the M23, which is a rebel group led by Tutsis.

Kainerugaba showed sympathy for the M23 previously, referring to them as “brothers of ours” back in 2022. The analysts think that his latest words are an indicator of Uganda’s wider economic and strategic interests within Congo’s Ituri province where Bunia serves as the capital.

Onlookers have compared the situation to the 1998 Second Congolese War, when Uganda and Rwanda shared power in eastern Congo. Kainerugaba, whose instigative social media comments have made him a thorn in the flesh, is no stranger to making provocative remarks, including previous threats to Kenya and Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine.

M23 Rebels Advance Into Bukavu As Conflict Escalates In Eastern DRC

February 15, 2025, 2:50 am

M23 rebels backed by Rwanda have occupied Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), after a rapid advance south over the past few days.

Friday saw M23 rebels advance into the Kazingu and Bagira areas, moving towards the city center, where sounds of gunfire rocked the streets. Meeting little resistance, the rebels’ advance was seen sending panicked civilians scurrying as shops closed down. Bukavu had fallen to deserting soldiers in 2004, and its fall would place M23 in control of the entire Lake Kivu area.

Hours short of their arrival at Bukavu, M23 occupied the airport of Kavumu, an important military post. In similar speedy attack last month, rebels seized Goma, North Kivu province’s capital, The rebels seized Kabamba and Katana Thursday and closed off the N2 highway as they marched south.

Airport officials confirmed that the facility was deserted, with Congolese troops pulling out equipment and aircraft. Soldiers were subsequently observed pulling back towards Bukavu on motorbikes and trucks carrying supplies. Corneille Nangaa, the head of the Congo River Alliance a bloc that includes M23 made a defense of the rebels, stating they were being attacked and were simply fighting back.

In the meantime, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi attended the Munich Security Conference in an effort to gather international support, while Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka represented the nation at the African Union summit in Ethiopia, centered on ending the conflict.

The intensifying bloodshed has sent 350,000 people on the run and deepened the humanitarian crisis with the UN counting the loss of 70,000 emergency shelters. There have been allegations Rwanda supports M23 to tap DRC’s riches in minerals that Kigali rejects.

Adding to the mayhem, prominent singer Delphin Katembo Vinywasiki, better known as Delcat Idengo, was assassinated in Goma while a music video was being shot. His killing, which was condemned as “abominable” by the Congolese authorities, is under investigation.

Congo To Put 75 Soldiers On Trial For Desertion, Murder, Violence Amid M23 Rebel Advance

February 10, 2025, 1:53 am

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo will begin the trial of at least 75 soldiers on Monday, accusing them of deserting their posts during the M23 rebel advance in South Kivu and committing acts of violence, including murder and looting, the military prosecutor’s office announced on Sunday.

After M23 rebels launch a major offensive, they successfully capture Goma, the biggest city in eastern Congo, on late January. United Nations has reported many human rights abuses, including summary executions, gang rape, and sexual slavery by M23 fighters, Congolese soldiers, and pro-government militias.

Congo has not offered a public remark about the criticism that has hit its troops while asking the UN to investigate “crimes perpetrated by the rebel M23 force and Rwanda’s government.” M23 has nothing to say against this, Kigali had nothing to claim support for these forces.

Despite a unilateral ceasefire declared, M23 forces continue their push south to Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. Last week, they captured Nyabibwe, a town 70 km (40 miles) north of Bukavu. The soldiers who are going to appear in court were arrested for having abandoned their positions when the town fell. Some of them were also arrested for rape, murder, looting, and inciting rebellion, and more arrests are expected.

Reports from civil society organizations say that the fleeing military killed at least 10 people – seven civilians who were drinking inside a bar in Kavumu, a town near Bukavu’s airport. There are also reports that rogue soldiers have also made cases of looting.

While the weekend saw limited clashes, sporadic fighting continued near Bukavu. Meanwhile, African leaders convened a regional summit urging all parties to engage in direct negotiations. Congo’s government acknowledged the summit’s resolutions but has not confirmed its next steps.

Rwandan And Congolese Leaders Call For Immediate Ceasefire As M23 Advances In DRC

February 9, 2025, 12:28 am

Regional leaders have issued an urgent call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) within five days, amidst surging violence between government forces and the Rwanda-backed M23 armed group.

On Saturday, a summit was held in Tanzania where leaders from the Rwandan side led by President Paul Kagame met with leaders of the DRC side led by President Felix Tshisekedi to confront the escalating situation. The final declaration of the summit urged both sides military to meet within five days to detail the technical measures taken in the implementation of the ceasefire. Leaders also campaigned for the urgent necessity of humanitarian corridors to evacuate the wounded and recover the dead.

The M23 group has seized vast areas of mineral-rich eastern DRC, including the strategic city of Goma, capital of North Kivu province. Fighting has now reached about 60 kilometers from Bukavu, the capital of neighbouring South Kivu. Reports indicate panic among residents, with people boarding up businesses and attempting to flee across the Rwanda border, causing chaos at crossing points.

Kenyan President William Ruto, the chairman of the East African Community, appealed to all sides to adhere to the ceasefire, indeed demanding an end by M23 to its attack and a stop by the DRC army on revenge attacks.

United Nations accuses Rwanda of sending 4,000 troops into DRC and of benefiting from the illegal mining of gold and coltan. Rwanda denies aiding M23, claiming that it is the DRC that houses the FDLR, the group responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

With M23 now controlling Goma and reportedly installing its own administration, fears of further destabilisation endure. UN rights chief Volker Turk warns that if immediate action is not taken, the humanitarian crisis could worsen as confirmed deaths approach nearly 3,000 and reports of sexual violence rise.

Darkest Day: Hundreds Of Women Raped, Burnt Alive In Jail, Later Prisoner Escape, Where It Happened?

February 8, 2025, 3:50 pm

The Democratic Republic of Congo is reeling from a horrific incident following a mass jailbreak at Munzenje prison in Goma. Reports indicate that during the chaos, hundreds of women prisoners were brutally raped before their wing was set on fire, leading to their deaths. The attack occurred after M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, took control of the capital, Goma.

Prison Set Ablaze, Thousands Escape

According to The Guardian, a senior official confirmed that the women’s section of Munzenje prison was deliberately torched after mass sexual violence. While thousands of male prisoners managed to flee, the women were trapped in the burning facility. Viviane van de Perre, deputy head of the UN peacekeeping force in Goma, confirmed that approximately 4,000 prisoners escaped while the women’s wing was reduced to ashes. The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has reported widespread human rights violations, including sexual violence and gang rape.

Ongoing Conflict in the Region

Congo and its surrounding regions have long been plagued by instability, exacerbated by conflicts over mineral-rich territories. The wars from 1996 to 2003 resulted in millions of deaths and displacements. The latest attack has further deepened the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo. Images from January 27, when M23 rebels stormed Goma, show thick black smoke billowing from Munzenje prison. However, due to restrictions imposed by the rebels, UN peacekeepers have been unable to access the site for further investigation.

A Growing Death Toll

Authorities have stated that as of Tuesday, nearly 2,000 bodies remain unburied in Goma, highlighting the scale of devastation. While details of the incident are still emerging, it is considered one of the worst atrocities committed in the ongoing M23-led conflict. The international community is calling for immediate intervention and accountability for the human rights abuses occurring in the region.

M23 Rebels Resume Offensive In DRC, Raising Fears Of Wider Conflict

February 6, 2025, 2:46 am

M23 rebels, with the support of Rwandan forces, have launched a new attack in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), heightening tensions ahead of a high-level crisis summit between the presidents of the two nations. The UN said at least 2,900 have died in Goma, the city occupied by M23 and Rwandan troops last week, up from a previous estimate of 900 deaths.

M23 fighters and Rwandan troops have gone back on declaring a unilateral ceasefire, set to come into force on Tuesday. They have occupied a mining town in South Kivu province and are pressing toward the capital, Bukavu. Confrontations took place near Nyabibwe, 100 km from Bukavu. Military reinforcements are said to be arriving. Spokesman Patrick Muyaya of the Democratic Republic of the Congo government characterized the ceasefire declaration as a “ploy” with M23 pushing forward.

Violence in the region has compounded an already grave humanitarian crisis in the region, with more than 2,000 bodies recovered in Goma and numerous casualty cases expected. The takeover of Goma marked a new height in the years of conflict that has ravaged this mineral-rich land. In the city of Bukavu with one million residents, locals went to prayers to call for peace as there are growing fears the city could be the new battleground.

The presidents of the DRC and Rwanda are set to meet at a summit in Dar es Salaam on Saturday, but the conflict is showing little signs of abating. The UN and international bodies, including the EU and regional organizations, are pushing for a peaceful resolution, though DRC Foreign Minister Therese Kayikwamba Wagner lamented that declarations have yet to translate into meaningful action.

Experts have said that part of Rwanda’s interest in the M23 conflict is based on its mineral interests in the DRC.

Who Are The M23 Rebels? Key Facts Behind The Group’s Resurgence In Eastern Congo

February 4, 2025, 3:40 am

Ethnic Tensions and Armed Conflict Escalate

The M23 rebel group, dominated by ethnic Tutsis, has escalated its bid for control in eastern Congo, reigniting a long-smoldering conflict. Active in 2012, the group mounted an unsuccessful insurgency against the Congolese government before lying low for nearly a decade. However, M23 reemerged in 2022, citing the need to protect Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan descent from alleged discrimination. The critics further argue that the group helps Rwanda to exact economic and political influence in this mineral-rich region.

Root Cause of the Conflict History

Military groups began fighting in eastern Congo after the genocide in 1994, in which Hutu militias killed anywhere from 500,000 to one million ethnic Tutsis, as well as moderate Hutus and Indigenous Twa people.

They later responded, which led to two million Hutu fleeing into neighbouring Congo fearing reprieve. Over the years ethnic tensions have broken out, for instance, lately Rwanda accuses of some of those Hutu still in Congo participation in genocide that some elements from the Congolese army was protecting them.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens Further

The ongoing war has deteriorated an already desperate humanitarian crisis, forcing more than four million people from their homes in eastern Congo. The UN refugee agency says more than 400,000 people were forced from their homes this year alone, worsening conditions in overcrowded displacement camps around Goma. The crisis has also triggered a surge in cholera cases.

As M23 fighters advanced on Goma, thousands fled from nearby villages into the city and others escaped over the border into Rwanda. The medical staff treated the wounded as they sheltered in a bunker within Goma’s main hospital as the facility came under intense gunfire and artillery attacks. Increasing violence continues to fuel regional instability, prompting urgent international concern.

Goma Bloodshed: Over 900 Dead As Rwanda Backed M23 Rebels Seize Control

February 4, 2025, 3:12 am

The number of casualties in last week’s violent clashes in Goma between the Congolese government forces and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels has been put at 900, at least, as of Monday. At least 2,900 were injured during the five days of intense fighting that surpassed the 773 deaths earlier reported.

To date, as of last Friday, at least 900 bodies had been recovered from the streets of Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the WHO. The rebels known as M23, which are reportedly backed by about 4,000 Rwandan troops, took control of Goma during this conflict. It is the sharpest escalation yet in the still-unfolding crisis and comes as M23 rebels have emerged as one of the most powerful players among more than 100 armed groups seeking to control resource-rich eastern Congo.

The region remains one of the most volatile in Africa, hosting critical global technology deposits. One of the strongest groups active during the fighting has emerged to become one of the most potent forces on the side, the M23 group, once active in 2012 before losing ground.

This meeting comes after the escalating violence with a joint summit of regional blocs from southern and eastern Africa scheduled to take place on February 7-8 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The summit focused on finding solutions to the conflict that continues in eastern Congo, and Kenyan President William Ruto confirmed the meeting.

Congo’s Goma Falls To Rebels: Thousands Displaced, Fearing Violence And Rape Amid Crisis

February 3, 2025, 1:15 am

As violence from rebels escalates further in eastern Congo, millions of people are forced into a deathly dilemma-between fleeing deeper inside the country and seeking refuge in neighbouring Rwanda, which is accused of supporting the insurgents. Rebels of the M23 have already made significant strides, including the capture of Goma, the region’s biggest city, creating serious questions over the ability of the Congolese military to protect civilians.

A displaced widow, Francine Nsengiyumva, lives in a makeshift shelter in Goma with her three children. “We will only return when there is peace,” Nsengiyumva said, while cooking beans over an open fire. As is the case for many people, she does not want to return to her village of Nzulo, fearing the rebel forces are still killing and terrorizing civilians.

The violence also witnessed a terrifying increase in rape cases, leaving women like Floride Furaha with horrific memories. Furaha and others run away because their families are attacked, and increasingly, the cases of rape escalate. Human rights organizations, like Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), have even warned that in North Kivu province where Goma falls, sexual violation is becoming too rampant.

United Nations have recently accused M23 rebels of serious human rights abuses, also accusing the military of the Republic of Congo, while death tolls from clashes in Goma and its outlying areas climbed sharply to 773 people confirmed dead and around 3,000 injured as per Congolese authorities. The conflict ravaging the area for decades fails to ease any further, considering the ongoing combat in South Kivu just nearby.

In the midst of all this, the displaced population awaits uncertain futures since both parties involved in the conflict seem entrenched and unwilling to budge.

773 Killed in DR Congo as Fighting with M23 Rebels Escalates

February 2, 2025, 9:40 pm

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing one of its deadliest conflicts in recent history, with at least 773 people killed in the eastern city of Goma and surrounding areas. The M23 rebel group, backed by the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF), continues its advance, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict.

According to Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, the figures are provisional, and the actual death toll could be much higher due to possible mass graves.

M23 Rebels Advance Towards Bukavu

The M23 rebels, one of over 100 armed groups operating in mineral-rich eastern DRC, seized control of Goma earlier this week and are now advancing towards Bukavu. The United Nations estimates that the group is supported by 4,000 Rwandan troops.

Despite efforts by the Congolese military to push back the rebels, the army has suffered heavy losses, with hundreds of soldiers killed and some foreign mercenaries surrendering to the rebels.

UN Warns of Regional War

The escalating violence has alarmed the United Nations, with Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of UN Peace Operations, warning that the crisis could trigger a wider regional war.

“It is of the utmost importance that all diplomatic efforts should be geared towards bringing about a cessation of hostilities,” Lacroix stated.

India Issues Advisory for Its Citizens

With an estimated 25,000 Indian nationals living in the DRC, including 1,000 in Goma, India has expressed deep concern over the conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that most Indian citizens in Goma have relocated to safer areas.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated:

“Our Embassy has issued an advisory and helpline numbers for Indian nationals in need of assistance.”

DRC President Promises “Vigorous” Response

President Felix Tshisekedi has vowed a “vigorous and coordinated response” against the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. In a late-night address, he promised military action to defend the country’s sovereignty and stop further rebel advances.

Conclusion

The ongoing violence in DR Congo poses a serious threat to regional stability. With fears of a full-scale war, the international community is urging immediate diplomatic intervention. Meanwhile, the DRC government remains committed to a military response against the advancing rebels.

Crisis In Congo: Over 770 Dead As M23 Rebels Seize Goma, Aid Efforts Struggle

February 1, 2025, 9:50 pm

Democratic Republic of Congo’s health ministry said Monday that as of January 30, 773 bodies were in hospital morgues in and around Goma after an offensive by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The escalating conflict has also left 2,880 people wounded, with overflowing morgues and bodies still lying in the streets.

Tutsi-led rebels, known as M23, took over the largest city in eastern Congo, Goma-the capital of North Kivu province-on Tuesday. The area is known to have gold, coltan, and tin ore deposits. On their way towards Bukavu in South Kivu, they were turned back by strong Congolese forces supported by Burundi.

The newest in a long line of militant groups backed by Rwanda, M23, has been active in the eastern borderlands of Congo since the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. Their latest offensive has made a perilous humanitarian situation much worse, displacing hundreds of thousands who had fled earlier fighting. Many more have sought refuge in Goma this month as fighting intensified.

Aid agencies were severely stretched during the heavy fighting, as hospitals were overwhelmed, supplies were looted, and staff caught in the crossfire. Medecins Sans Frontieres said that medicine was running low. The World Food Programme suspended its operations and evacuated its staff. The Congolese health ministry said that the shortages of medical supplies, ambulances, and body bags were severe, and security concerns restricted access to some areas.

Daily life gradually resumed with caution in Goma as the fighting subsided. Power and water services partially resumed, markets reopened, and displaced residents returned to their places.

Meanwhile, the Congolese forces say they have reclaimed several villages as M23 recedes its advance in South Kivu. International pressure grows on Rwanda to stop supporting M23, but Kigali and Kinshasa continue exchanging accusations amid growing calls for a ceasefire.

M23 Rebels Seize Goma As Gang Rape And Human Rights Violations Surge In Eastern Congo

January 31, 2025, 11:21 pm

The M23 rebel group, which allegedly receives support from Rwanda, on Friday took control of the strategic city of Goma in eastern Congo, the UN said. The capture is a worrisome gain by the group that is now one of the most powerful among over 100 armed factions vying for control in the resource-rich eastern part of Congo.

UN’s human rights office has expressed alarm over a sharp rise in human rights attributed to the M23. There was reported summary execution of at least 12 people by the rebels between January 26 and 28. Cases of sexual violence, including gang rapes, have also been reported to be committed both by Congolese military and pro-government groups. Further allegations against the M23 include the occupation of schools and hospitals and the use of civilians for forced labour and conscription.

UN experts believe that the M23 is supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, a more powerful force than when they first occupied Goma in 2012. This armed group remains one of the principal actors in the ongoing conflict that has fed ethnic tensions and destabilized the region.

While the Congolese forces have been able to repel some of the rebel attacks, the country’s military has been significantly weakened, especially after losing several personnel to the M23 following Goma’s fall. In response, President Félix Tshisekedi has called for mass mobilization, prompting hundreds of young people to volunteer for military training.

The residents of Goma are facing extreme shortages of basic needs, with water and electricity cut off as the fighting continues. The M23 has promised to restore these services, but the city remains in chaos as the violence escalates.

DRC M23 Rebels Seize Goma Airport Amid Escalating Violence, Cutting Off Aid Access

January 28, 2025, 10:06 pm

M23 rebels took Goma’s airport on Tuesday, cutting off critical access to hundreds of thousands of displaced people in eastern Congo. The takeover of the airport followed the rebels’ Monday offensive, which saw the city fall and bodies litter the streets. This is the worst escalation of a three-decade-long conflict, rooted in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide and struggles for control of Congo’s mineral resources.

Goma town has been thrown into chaos and pandemonium. Thousands of civilians are fleeing Goma town; most of these have sought refuge in neighboring Rwanda. Trucks carrying refugee families have passed over the borders, with whole families running carrying their children wrapped in fabric stuff. The displaced even include those previously seeking shelter at Goma that had been pushed out by early M23 attacks this year.

Rwandan troops are said to be supporting the M23 rebels, although Rwanda claims it is defending itself from Congolese militias. Even though the government of the Congo and UN peacekeeping officials have confirmed Rwandan troop presence, Rwanda has not commented on its role in the conflict.

The unrest in Congo’s capital city, Kinshasa, brought with it violent protests that targeted foreign embassies-some of them belonged to Rwanda, France, and the US Anger is now at the boiling point regarding foreign interference into the conflict. Looters also targeted the Kenyan embassy, and videos shared online gave the sceneries of vast lootings.

Violence reports in Goma include lootings on humanitarian facilities, rapes, and attacks on health centers. International Committee of the Red Cross has expressed concerns over a medicine warehouse and a laboratory containing dangerous germs, including Ebola, which might be a great public health threat if damaged. Escalating violence threatened to worsen the humanitarian crisis in the region.

M23 Rebels Capture Goma, Triggering Mass Panic in Eastern Congo

January 27, 2025, 9:39 am

M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, claimed they captured Goma early on Monday. This occurred just before the 48-hour deadline they set for the Congolese army to surrender expired. Following the capture, the rebels urged Goma residents to stay calm. Additionally, they called on the Congolese soldiers to assemble at the central stadium.

UN Reports Mass Panic

Meanwhile, the United Nations reported widespread panic among Goma’s 2 million residents. Over a third of the population in North Kivu province is already displaced. As a result, the capture of Goma is expected to worsen the crisis. UN peacekeepers began processing soldiers who had started surrendering on the city’s outskirts. Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya described the situation as “a war situation” and emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians.

Rebel Offensive Fuels Fear

The M23 rebels’ offensive is threatening to escalate one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts. In recent weeks, the rebels have gained significant ground along Congo’s border with Rwanda. They had previously demanded that the Congolese army surrender by 3 a.m. or face an attack. In response, some Congolese soldiers laid down their weapons. Meanwhile, civilians, fearing for their safety, fled the area. UN peacekeepers confirmed that many soldiers and civilians sought shelter at various military bases.

Rwanda Denies Support for Rebels

Congo has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda continues to deny. However, Rwanda has acknowledged deploying troops in eastern Congo for security reasons. Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe stated that Congo’s decision to cut diplomatic ties was unilateral. Consequently, Rwanda evacuated its remaining diplomat from Congo, citing safety concerns.

M23’s History and Impact

The M23 rebels previously seized Goma in 2012 but withdrew after significant international pressure. This time, however, the rebels’ control of the city has resulted in further instability. Despite support from UN peacekeepers and SAMIDRC forces, Goma remains under threat. In addition, civilians like Bahati Jackson have decided to stay, despite the risks, saying, “If we’re going to die, it’s better to die here.”

Calls for Ceasefire and Action

The United States and France have jointly called for an immediate ceasefire. They also urged Rwanda to stop supporting the M23 rebels. Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea warned that the U.S. would consider all options to hold accountable those who fuel the conflict. In a similar vein, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the M23’s actions and demanded that they immediately withdraw from Goma.

Civilians Flee for Safety

As a result of the escalating violence, many civilians are attempting to flee Goma in search of safety. Displaced people like Safi Shangwe and Adèle Shimiye are concerned about their futures, with some heading toward Rwanda. UN Deputy Humanitarian Chief Joyce Msuya raised alarms, warning that if the conflict spills into Goma—a densely populated urban center—the impact on civilians could be catastrophic. Consequently, the situation continues to deteriorate, and international intervention is becoming increasingly critical.

Thirteen Peacekeepers Killed in DR Congo Clash with M23 Rebels

January 26, 2025, 9:48 am

Thirteen peacekeepers lost their lives in clashes with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Nine South African soldiers were killed while defending the city of Goma in eastern DR Congo. Three Malawian soldiers and one Uruguayan also died in the fighting.

Global Calls for Peace

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with the leaders of DR Congo and Rwanda, urging them to end the violence. The United Nations, concerned about the escalating situation, evacuated all non-essential staff from Goma. Due to the growing conflict, the UN Security Council moved its meeting to Sunday.

M23 Rebels Demand Surrender

The M23 rebels have called on Congolese troops in Goma to surrender in order to prevent further bloodshed. In response, DR Congo severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing it of supporting the rebellion. This tension followed the M23’s killing of a Congolese military governor and their capture of key towns in the east.

International Condemnation of M23 and Rwanda

Macron continued to push for an end to the fighting during separate calls with both DR Congo and Rwanda. The EU’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, condemned Rwanda’s support for M23. Angolan President Joao Lourenco also called for an immediate ceasefire to preserve civilian lives.

Humanitarian Crisis Worsens

The ongoing conflict has displaced over 400,000 people, with more than 200 civilians killed in areas controlled by M23. Hospitals in Goma are overwhelmed with patients, many injured in the violence. Local leaders and Bishop Martin Gordon have called for an end to the fighting, stating that people are desperate for peace.

International Evacuations and Warnings

Countries such as the UK, France, Germany, and the US have urged their citizens to leave Goma. Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch has warned of escalating risks to civilians. Both M23 and the Congolese army are accused of committing serious abuses against the civilian population.

M23 and Rwanda’s Role in the Conflict

The M23 has controlled parts of mineral-rich eastern DR Congo since 2021, worsening the humanitarian situation. DR Congo and the UN accuse Rwanda of backing the rebels, though Rwanda has not confirmed this. Rwanda claims that DR Congo works with individuals responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Origins of M23 and Rwanda’s Alleged Exploitation

The M23 was initially formed in 2012 to protect the Tutsi population in eastern DR Congo. However, critics argue that Rwanda uses the group to exploit the region’s valuable minerals, such as gold, cobalt, and tantalum.

South African Soldiers Killed In DRC Clash With M23 Rebels, Spark Outcry At Home

January 25, 2025, 9:36 pm

Three South African soldiers were confirmed dead, with 18 injured in clashes involving M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to South Africa’s Democratic Alliance and a military union on Saturday.

The deaths happened on Thursday when M23 forces invaded the town of Sake in eastern DRC. The troops involved were part of a regional peacekeeping mission deployed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The Democratic Alliance expressed sympathies to the families of the fallen soldiers in a statement. “At least 18 SANDF members were also wounded in ongoing battles with M23 rebels,” the party said.

While a South African military spokesperson and SADC officials declined immediate comment, the DA confirmed the casualties through the SADC mission and other sources in DRC.

DA parliamentarian Chris Hattingh condemned the lack of communication from SANDF regarding the incident. “The silence from SANDF on the situation in DRC is concerning. South Africans should not have to rely on foreign sources for updates on casualties,” he said.

The South African National Defence Union also expressed disdain over the delay in taking action on the matter. “The soldiers deserve more than silence. It is in the best interest of their sacrifices that leaders must acknowledge them now and take immediate action,” said secretary of the union Pikkie Greef.

SANDF has not stated anything regarding the attack. This has exposed the plight of peacekeepers in the troubled eastern DRC, where M23 rebels continue to challenge the relative stability.

Escalating Clashes In DRC: Global Powers Warn Citizens To Leave As M23 Rebels Close In

January 25, 2025, 12:36 am

Democratic Republic of Congo was hit with intensifying violence on Friday after fighting broke out between the army and M23 rebels just outside Goma, causing the United States, the United Kingdom, and France to advise its citizens to leave the city immediately. The warning, through online statements, emails, and SMS, indicate that the situation in the volatile eastern region has the possibility of rapidly deteriorating.

M23 rebels, reportedly supported by Rwandan forces, have gained significant ground in recent weeks, encircling Goma, home to over a million people. The conflict has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with over 400,000 people displaced this year alone, nearly double the figure from the previous week, according to UNHCR spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh. Many displaced families have fled to Goma, living in dire conditions as heavy shelling continues near the city.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned” about renewed hostilities, warning that they would devastate civilians and increase the danger of a regional war. He urged an end to violence now.

The fighting intensifies Friday around the Kanyamahoro-Kibumba axis, within 20 miles of Goma. Rockets and artillery had been reported firing near Sake, a town strategically located northwest of Goma, where rebels have taken strategic positions. There is also increasing violence that leaves North Kivu’s military governor, General Peter Cirimwami shot dead near frontline.

The DRC government, led by President Felix Tshisekedi, has convened high-level defense meetings on the crisis. Repeated ceasefire agreements and other diplomatic efforts have failed to end the war as peace talks mediated by Angola have failed, while Turkey has made mediation offers.

The war continues to center in the town of Goma, which has been devastated by the years of war ravaging eastern DRC for over three decades. M23 had briefly occupied the city in 2012, but they were ousted by the Congolese and UN forces.