Violence escalated in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwandan forces, advanced to the outskirts of Goma, a strategically important city near the Rwandan border.
The fighting has displaced thousands of civilians, forced the closure of Goma’s airport, and resulted in the deaths of at least 13 peacekeepers and allied soldiers, according to United Nations officials.
The 13 fatalities, which included nine South African soldiers, two Uruguayans, and others from Malawi, were killed on Saturday during a fierce battle with M23 fighters as they tried to advance on Goma. In addition, 11 peacekeepers were injured and hospitalized.
According to reports, the M23 rebel group successfully entered Goma’s Munigi neighborhood on Sunday just hours after a 48-hour ultimatum for Congolese forces to surrender expired. This comes after they captured Sake, a town 16 miles west of Goma.
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M23 forces are believed to have entered downtown Goma and are patrolling streets in Goma.
My sources just told me Goma airport is fully under M23.
European Mercenaries that have been fighting for President Tshisekendi are reported to have surrendered to M23. pic.twitter.com/UmqnxlJR7F
— Robert Cyubahiro McKenna (@RobCyubahiro) January 26, 2025
The recent fighting has displaced thousands of civilians, including residents of the Kanyaruchinya camp, one of the largest in eastern Congo.
Many sought refuge in Goma or attempted to cross the border into Rwanda through the “Great Barrier” crossing. As of press time, Rwanda has reported no significant influx of Congolese nationals seeking refuge. It has emphasized that its border posts remain open to those in need.
#DRCongo 🇨🇩: apocalyptic scenes in #Goma as hundreds of thousands of people are forced to flee, desperate to escape from the advancing #M23 and Rwandan forces.
Many of the people have been on the run for over 30 years at this point. pic.twitter.com/rYX1jhGXjZ
— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) January 26, 2025
The DRC’s government, alongside U.N. officials and the United States, has accused Rwanda of backing M23 forces. While Rwanda denies supporting the rebels, it acknowledged deploying troops to eastern Congo, citing security concerns and a buildup of Congolese forces near the border. UN experts estimate that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops are present in Congo.
Congolese (#DRC) Su-25 flying over #Goma hit by a MANPADS, assumed to have been fired by #Rwanda forces.
The aircraft was able to land, but highly likely out of action.
DRC has only 4 x Su-25s. pic.twitter.com/nbspkYIrfH
— Clash Report (@clashreport) January 24, 2023
In response to the escalating crisis, the DRC’s Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday that it was severing diplomatic ties with Rwanda, pulling its diplomats out of the country. Rwanda’s Foreign Minister, Olivier Nduhungirehe, described the move as unilateral and stated that Rwanda had already evacuated its remaining diplomat in Kinshasa amid threats.
