In a significant escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rebels from the Rwanda-backed M23 group have killed Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, the military governor of North Kivu. Reports indicate that the General was fatally injured during a visit to the frontline on Thursday, a tragic development in a conflict that has intensified since the beginning of the year.
Rising casualties and a humanitarian crisis
According to United Nations reports, the M23 rebels have made significant territorial gains, capturing key towns such as Masisi and Minova as they advance toward the city of Goma. This offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 200 civilians in the areas now under M23 control, with local leaders expressing deep concern over the mounting toll of the conflict. Tragically, two children were reported killed when bombs struck a camp for displaced individuals.
The ongoing violence has led to a mass exodus, with more than 400,000 people fleeing their homes since the start of the year. The humanitarian situation is dire, and local leaders are voicing urgent concerns. Bahala Shamavu Innocent, a local union leader, described Goma’s conditions as critical, stating,
“The town of Goma is held in a vice, the town is suffocated, there are no more entrances, there are no more exits… this population is suffering enormously.”
Global response and implications for security
In light of the deteriorating situation, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has cut short his participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, returning to address urgent security concerns with his administration. The potential fall of Goma, a city with over a million residents located near the Rwandan border, would represent a significant victory for the M23, which briefly seized control of the city during a previous rebellion in 2012.
As the conflict escalates, the United States, United Kingdom, and France have all issued advisories urging their citizens to evacuate Goma as soon as possible. Witnesses describe a desperate scene, with families fleeing with essential belongings and seeking refuge in overcrowded boats.
Gen Cirimwami, who was appointed governor earlier this year, faced the immense challenge of tackling decades of conflict in the region. Prior to his appointment, he had been criticized for his collaboration with the armed group FDLR, despite their controversial history, including ties to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rwanda has consistently accused the Congolese government of collaborating with FDLR, further complicating the already tense regional relations.
Reports indicate that the M23 rebels captured the town of Sake on Thursday, which lies just 20 kilometers from Goma, although the Congolese army claimed to have repelled the attack. As fighting continues, thousands of displaced residents from Sake and surrounding areas are fleeing, and hospitals in Goma are being overwhelmed with casualties.
The M23 has been gaining territory in eastern DR Congo since 2021, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis and displacing hundreds of thousands. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the conflict risks escalating into a wider regional war, urging all parties to respect the sovereignty of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and cease support for armed groups.