M23 threatens to reoccupy Goma amid rising tensions and security concerns

By The Inspirer.

The M23 rebel group is once again attempting to capture the city of Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

On January 23, 2025, the group announced its plans to seize Goma in an ongoing battle they claim is aimed at liberating Congolese people, particularly those who speak Kinyarwanda, who have been facing prolonged oppression.

This is not the first time the M23 has taken control of Goma, as it happened in 2012, although they later withdrew after talks held in Kampala, Uganda, between regional military leaders.

As in 2012, over two million people residing in Goma are living in fear, anticipating that things could change at any moment. The fear has intensified following the death of the former governor of North Kivu, General Peter Cirimwami, from gunshot wounds inflicted by M23 forces. The death has been confirmed by the DRC government.

One of General Cirimwami’s neighbors, speaking to IGIHE, revealed that rumors of the governor’s death had been circulating in Goma before the government confirmed it. He stated that he hadn’t seen the general in a week, although he used to see him every day.

In Goma, there is widespread fear of imminent heavy fighting. After M23’s announcement, there has been a noticeable decrease in the number of people crossing the border from Rwanda into Goma, whether through the Petite Barrière or Grande Barrière crossings.

In interviews with residents of Rubavu, a town near the border, many expressed concern for their safety. Yakubu Babu, a young man from Rubavu who regularly crosses to Goma for his clothing business, said that this time he and others crossing the border felt scared, with some choosing to stay home while others continued their activities with caution.

While there are fears for those crossing into Goma, security remains stable in Rubavu, and daily activities continue as usual. However, Nkundababyeyi Fabrice, who has a disability and transports goods to Goma by bicycle, shared his concerns about the ease with which Rwandans crossing into Goma are often harassed by FARDC soldiers.

Although many activities are continuing in Goma, including banking and air travel, some services have halted, including schools. On the night of Friday, January 24, 2025, the city experienced a power outage after M23 and FARDC fighting damaged the electricity line from Kibumba to Goma.

Kanku Jojo, a young man from Goma who passed through Rwanda on January 24 on his way to Uganda for studies, stated that Goma is currently filled with fear. He described the situation as dire, with residents unsure of whether to flee or remain, while some who have the means have already begun to leave.

These concerns were echoed by another young man from Congo, Baba, who described Goma as a war zone where the conflict has caused great suffering among the population. As usual, people are living in fear.

As of now, it is unclear when the M23 might take control of Goma, but intense fighting is already taking place near Sake, about 20 kilometers from the city.

 

Source: IGIHE