In the past 48 hours, M23 militants have reportedly killed over 200 people during their capture of several villages near Kalehe, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
At least 28 people have reportedly been killed in clashes between the DRC Armed Forces and M23 militants in Bweremana, North Kivu, and Minova, South Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo over the past two days.
The DRC Armed Forces have reported killing several militants during their advances in Bweremana and Minova. Clashes have also erupted in Goma, leaving at least two dead and more than 100 injured.
On Thursday, the militant group captured Sake, a town just 27 kilometers (16 miles) from Goma and one of the last major routes into the provincial capital still under government control.
#Congo (#DRC) 🇨🇩: Congolese Forces (#FARDC) attacks “March 23 Movement” (#M23) positions in the vicinity of #Sake, North Kivu.
FARDC seemingly operates several T-55 Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) and technical armed with #China-made 🇨🇳 14.5mm CS/LM2 (QJG-02) heavy machine gun. pic.twitter.com/0JSd5UFJcp
— War Noir (@war_noir) January 23, 2025
🔴#RDC Situation toujours confuse autour de #Sake où les combats se poursuivent ce jeudi entre #M23 et #FARDC. Le gouverneur militaire du #NordKivu, Peter #Cirimwami, s’est rendu sur la ligne de front à #Mubambiro à 3km de #Sake. Forte présence de la #Monusco pour bloquer… pic.twitter.com/4ZVXzcXu3l
— Christophe RIGAUD (@afrikarabia) January 23, 2025
According to reports, the rebels continue their advance toward Goma, a city of 2 million people and a regional hub in North Kivu province.
The recent offensive has caused widespread displacement. Reports stated that thousands of civilians have fled to Goma or crossed Lake Kivu in overcrowded boats. Camps like Nzulo on the outskirts of Goma are overwhelmed, with many people fleeing again as the rebels advance closer. Hospitals in Goma are stretched beyond capacity, treating hundreds of wounded civilians from nearby areas.
According to the United Nations, the fighting displaced 178,000 individuals in the past two weeks.
M23, formed in 2012 by former Congolese soldiers, has been fighting for control of eastern Congo’s mineral-rich regions. The current offensive marks the group’s largest territorial gains in years, recalling their brief capture of Goma in 2012.
Over 7 million people have been displaced by the fighting. Earlier this month, M23 took control of the towns of Minova, Katale, and Masisi, to the west of Goma.
“The people of Goma have suffered greatly, like other Congolese,” an M23 spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, said on X. “M23 is on its way to liberate them, and they must prepare to welcome this liberation. They should fear nothing: the M23 comes to bring peace.”
The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, a charge Rwanda denies. On Thursday, Congolese officials claimed their forces repelled an attack by Rwandan troops in Sake, though this remains unverified. Tensions between the two countries are rising, with Congo’s government suggesting war with Rwanda is a possible response.
