The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has escalated dramatically as M23 rebels continue their advance towards Goma, a city housing approximately two million residents and serving as a pivotal center for both security and humanitarian operations. In just a matter of weeks, the M23 has gained significant ground, encircling Goma and intensifying conflicts with government forces.
Casualties and humanitarian impact
As fighting escalates, hospitals in and around Goma are overwhelmed with hundreds of injured individuals, including men, women, and children. According to reports, nine United Nations peacekeepers also suffered injuries during the violent clashes between the M23 and government troops. These injuries occurred during confrontations over the last two days in Sake, a town located just 27 kilometers west of Goma, which is one of the last major routes still under governmental control.
“The M23 advance in eastern Congo has displaced more than 400,000 people since the beginning of the year,”
the U.N. refugee agency reported, highlighting the dire humanitarian conditions that have arisen from the ongoing violence. The situation in overcrowded displacement centers in and around Goma is deteriorating, with a concerning rise in cholera cases as displaced populations seek refuge.
Political ramifications and conflict history
In a tragic turn, the M23 rebels recently claimed the life of North Kivu province’s governor, Maj. Gen. Peter Cirimwami. The governor had been active in coordinating military operations against the rebels in the region and was visiting troops on the front lines when he sustained injuries on Thursday. Despite being rushed to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries, marking a significant blow to government efforts in the region.
Decades of strife along the DR Congo-Rwanda border have contributed to one of the largest humanitarian crises globally. The M23 group, which previously seized control of Goma in 2012 for over a week, continues to challenge government forces. Since 2021, coordinated efforts involving DR Congo’s military, Burundian troops, and U.N. forces have attempted to keep M23 at bay.
Allegations have surfaced regarding Rwandan support for the M23, predominantly composed of ethnic Tutsis who split from the Congolese army more than a decade ago. While the Rwandan government denies these accusations, it has acknowledged deploying troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to protect its security interests amid a perceived buildup of Congolese forces near its border. U.N. experts have estimated the presence of up to 4,000 Rwandan troops within Congolese territory.
As the conflict unfolds, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with calls for international attention and intervention growing louder amidst the suffering of those caught in the crossfire.