M23 Rebels Achieve Control Over Goma in Eastern DRC
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have completed a takeover of Goma, the capital of eastern DRC, after intense fighting. The group now controls the airport and the border with Rwanda. Civilians face challenges under new governance, as local hospitals struggle to aid numerous casualties, and many residents lack access to basic services.
On January 28, 2025, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels successfully took over Goma, the capital of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following intense clashes with Congolese forces. The rebels now control the city’s airport and its border with Rwanda. As gunfire quieted, civilians who had fled to Goma must now confront living under the rule of the insurgents.
Goma serves as a crucial humanitarian center and refuge for many displaced by the ongoing M23 insurgency in surrounding regions. In the wake of the rebels’ approach, large groups of women and children sought safety deeper within the city. However, they will face the uncertainties of life beneath rebel governance.
The local healthcare system is under strain due to the influx of casualties sustained from the conflict. Many residents are now stranded in their homes, lacking essential services such as electricity, clean water, and mobile connectivity. The M23’s recent territorial gains, which include significant mining areas and supply routes, have culminated in their strategic capture of Goma.
Although Goma may appear to have limited strategic and economic significance, its capture provides the M23 group substantial leverage for future operations in the region. This shift in control raises significant concerns about the humanitarian situation and the prospects for stability in eastern DRC.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has deep historical roots, with various rebel groups, including M23, vying for control over rich mineral resources in the eastern regions. Goma, a key city, has frequently been at the center of these struggles, offering both economic potential and a strategic location bordering Rwanda. The current situation reflects the broader complexities of regional conflict, historical grievances, and power struggles intertwined with humanitarian crises affecting civilians.
The takeover of Goma by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels marks a significant shift in the balance of power in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. With control over critical infrastructure and territories, the insurgents are poised to exert considerable influence. This development poses urgent challenges for humanitarian efforts and raises concerns over the welfare of displaced populations and the future of peace in the DRC region.
Original Source: news.sky.com
