On the night of January 26 and 27, 2025, in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the struggle between the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) and the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels reached a new phase. That night, the rebels took control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, placing people’ lives in great danger. Read: Who are.

Since the M23 rebels resurfaced in March 2022, multiple offensives have taken place in this region. The Goma coup marks a new chapter in this battle, which is more than just internal. According to multiple accounts, the M23 is supported by soldiers from neighboring Rwanda. However, the Rwandan government denies any charges of this. The DRC authorities are angered by Rwanda’s disrespect for them, describing it as an open provocation. VOA Africa quotes Congolese Minister of Foreign Affairs Therese Kayikwamba Wagner as saying:

Meanwhile, Kigali has accused the DRC of assisting Rwandan rebels seeking to depose Rwandan President Paul Kagame. According to Nyombayire, Kagamé’s spokeswoman,

Calls for the cessation of hostilities

The recent recurrence of violence on such a large scale in eastern DRC has the international world concerned. Their condemnations and demands for an immediate ceasefire and the evacuation of Rwandan forces have grown. On January 26, 2025, during a United Nations (UN) Security Council discussion on the conflict, Dorothy Shea, the United States Deputy Representative to the UN, stated:

Kenya’s president also called his counterparts to an emergency meeting on January 29. The Congolese and Rwandan presidents confirmed their attendance. William Ruto said:

Therese Kayikwamba Wagner underlined the UN Security Council’s role in the war. Speaking on behalf of the Congolese government, she feels the extent of the violence is largely attributable to the United Nations’

Civilians are the primary victims

Fear has gripped the North Kivu region and Goma since January 26. Global Voices spoke with Fabien Mat [pseudonym], a journalist stationed in Goma, who said:

This post on X by Patrick Muyaya, the DRC government spokesperson and Minister of Communications, validates Fabien Mat’s remark.

Goma, formerly a relatively safe area for conflict-affected residents, now provides no security to its population of around one million (local and displaced). The bombardment has caused damage to water and electricity sources, as well as telephone networks. Under such circumstances, false information spreads quickly, as proven by Benjamin [pseudonym], another journalist who Global Voices contacted:
The current humanitarian situation remains worrying. On January 27, 2025, SkyNews claimed that the city had more than 250,000 displaced inhabitants. Doctors Without Borders (MSF), a humanitarian organization, told BBC Africa: