M23 rebels seize control of Goma after intense fighting, call for calm

By The Inspirer.

The M23 rebel group has announced that it has captured the city of Goma, considered the capital of North Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the early hours of January 27, 2025, the group’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, confirmed the capture of Goma.

He stated, “We urge the residents of Goma to remain calm. The liberation of this city has been completed successfully, and everything is now under control.”

While M23 fighters were present in the city, Kanyuka called on Congolese soldiers (FARDC) to lay down their arms and surrender them to the United Nations peacekeeping forces (MONUSCO).

Kanyuka also instructed FARDC soldiers to gather at Goma’s Stade de l’Unité before 3:00 a.m., warning that after this deadline, their fighters would fully take over the city.

Uruguayan peacekeeping forces under the UN mission reported that since the evening hours, they had received many FARDC soldiers fleeing from M23.

M23 has temporarily suspended activities on Lakes Kivu and Albert, pending further announcements.

The group captured Goma two days after issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Congolese forces to lay down their arms to prevent the city from becoming a battlefield.

The ultimatum was issued amid intense fighting that had been ongoing since January 23 in the town of Sake, its surroundings, and the outskirts of Goma, pitting M23 against government forces.

UN forces and troops from the Southern African Development Community (SAMIDRC) had been assisting the FARDC in defending Goma but eventually withdrew after being overpowered.