Thousands of civilians are fleeing as M23 rebels approach Goma amid escalating violence and accusations of foreign intervention. The UN reports significant displacements in North and South Kivu provinces. Urgent calls for ceasefire and diplomatic intervention are being raised as humanitarian conditions deteriorate.
In the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), tens of thousands of people are fleeing toward Goma as M23 rebel forces advance. Reports indicate that explosions and gunfire echoed in Goma on Sunday night, raising concerns among the city’s over one million inhabitants. A rebel spokesman claimed that Goma would be under their control by 03:00 local time (01:00 GMT) due to escalating violence.
The situation has escalated following accusations from the DRC’s Foreign Minister against Rwanda for allegedly invading and supporting M23 rebels. Rwanda, on the other hand, claims that the DRC is backing militias aiming to overthrow their government. As regional leaders scramble for a solution, Kenyan President William Ruto has urged for a ceasefire and announced an emergency summit to address the crisis.
The M23 rebels are demanding the surrender of Congolese forces to prevent further violence in Goma, a city they have been swiftly approaching since gaining control over significant portions of eastern DRC since 2021. The UN has reported over 400,000 displacements in the North and South Kivu provinces since the beginning of 2025, highlighting the severity of the humanitarian crisis.
Displaced individuals, such as Alice Feza, expressed feelings of hopelessness as they flee from various regions toward Goma, stating, “People are fleeing everywhere, and we do not know where to go anymore.” Key transport routes and Goma’s airport have become inaccessible for humanitarian efforts, exacerbating the crisis.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops from DRC territory and has called upon the M23 rebels to halt their progression toward Goma. Following the deaths of 13 peacekeepers in clashes with the rebels, the UK has condemned the attacks while France has echoed calls for Rwanda’s withdrawal. The situation remains dire, with many observers noting that M23 is receiving support from Rwanda, which has not been denied by its leaders.
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has deep roots, with the M23 rebel group emerging from earlier conflicts involving several regional and international dynamics. The DRC has been plagued by instability, particularly in the eastern regions rich in minerals, leading to frequent clashes between armed groups and government troops. Recent allegations suggest that Rwanda’s military support for the M23 rebels has intensified the situation, prompting accusations of war and leading to mass displacements of civilians.
The humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC is worsening, with thousands of civilians displaced amid the advances of M23 rebels towards Goma. International calls for ceasefires and diplomacy are being issued, although tensions between Rwanda and the DRC complicate the potential for peace. The situation calls for urgent international attention to prevent further escalation and address the humanitarian needs of affected populations.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
