M23 captures Goma, borders reopened

By The Inspirer.

The borders between Goma and Gisenyi have been reopened, allowing people who were stranded in Goma to return to Rwanda after the city was captured by M23 forces.

Forty-seven drivers and traders were the first to enter Rwanda after M23 took control of Goma. Those who spoke with Kigali Today reported that the FARDC forces are now surrendering to M23.

One individual expressed relief, saying, “Thank God, we’ve made it into Rwanda, we can live again. Over there, we thought we were doomed.”

Those crossing into Rwanda mentioned that they were passing through FARDC troops who are surrendering after their defeat.

Although gunfire can still be heard faintly in the city, life is beginning to return to normal. Some residents have started bringing goods into Goma, which has been under conflict for a long period, with people unable to leave.

With the capture of Goma, M23 now has the responsibility of restoring security and disarming all groups that had previously been armed by the government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

M23 is also tasked with restoring access to clean water and electricity in Goma, which has been without these services for a while.

M23 forces are quickly working to organize the city, resume operations, and bring life back to Goma.