The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwanda, has taken control of the strategic city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), heightening tensions between the two nations and threatening to escalate the region’s ongoing conflict.
Patrick Muyaya, DRC’s government spokesman and minister of communication, addressed the situation in a televised statement, assuring citizens that the government is committed to preventing further violence. “In view of the security situation in the city of Goma marked by the presence of the Rwandan army, we wish to reassure the population that following the instructions of the President of the Republic, the Government continues to work to avoid carnage and loss of human life in view of the manifest intentions of Rwanda,” Muyaya said.
The capture of Goma by the M23 comes after weeks of intense fighting between the rebels and Congolese forces in the North Kivu region, which borders Rwanda. The M23, made up mostly of ethnic Tutsi fighters, has been accused of destabilizing the region and receiving support from Rwanda, a claim that has been consistently denied by Kigali.
Muyaya urged residents to remain calm, offering the following recommendations: “Stay safe, at home; refrain from committing acts of vandalism and looting; block the manipulative propaganda of Rwanda.” His remarks were intended to maintain order in a city that has long been a flashpoint in the conflict between the DRC government and various armed groups.
Rwanda’s alleged backing of M23 has further strained relations between the two countries, which share a complicated history of conflict. Kigali has denied supporting the rebels, but the international community, including the United Nations, has raised concerns about Rwanda’s role in the ongoing violence in eastern DRC.
Muyaya’s statement also called for unity, urging Congolese people, both in the DRC and abroad, to support the government’s efforts to reclaim control of Goma and defend the country’s territorial integrity. “We are all guardians of our territory! Not a single centimeter will be given up!!!” he said.
The fall of Goma, a key trade and cultural hub, represents a significant setback for the DRC government, which has struggled to assert control over the eastern part of the country amid a long-standing insurgency. The M23 has previously taken control of parts of North Kivu, and their latest advance into Goma is a reminder of the fragile security situation in the region.
As fighting continues around Goma, the humanitarian impact is expected to grow, with thousands of civilians already displaced by the violence. The international community has called for restraint on all sides and has urged efforts to seek a peaceful resolution to the crisis.
The situation remains fluid, with both the DRC government and M23 rebels likely to continue vying for control of key territory in the coming days. The outcome of the battle for Goma could have significant implications for the future of the conflict in eastern DRC and for relations between Rwanda and the DRC.
