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Escalation possible after Goma falls to rebels
Goma, in North Kivu in eastern Congo, has fallen. The M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan forces, have claimed control of the town. Chaos reigns. The prison is on fire following a major escape.
The weekend of January 25-26, 2025 was marked by fighting between Congolese FADRC forces and M23 rebels in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The latter are supported by Rwanda. Goma is a border town, and some of the Rwandan forces massed on the other side of the border have entered the Congolese city. There is talk of 3,000 to 4,000 men. On the spot, the situation turned into chaos with the burning of the prison. It was the result of a “massive” escape. The prison held 3,000 prisoners. Deaths were reported. Fighting also broke out in the center of Goma. Gunfire was heard throughout the night. The city was home to 1 million inhabitants and displaced persons who had fled the fighting in the region. There are also population movements in Rwanda. Inhabitants near the border are retreating to Kigali, the Rwandan capital.
The war!
Congo now considers itself at war with Rwanda. Diplomatic rupture is inevitable. Among the foreign forces present on the ground under the aegis of the UN, Uruguay and Malawi report one and 3 deaths respectively among their troops. These Monusco casualties occurred during defensive actions to repel the M23 rebels. For its part, South Africa claims to have lost nine soldiers in clashes with rebels who attacked its military bases. However, the capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu, could exacerbate the situation. Congo has already asked for help from Rwanda’s neighbor Burundi, and from the DRC, which has reportedly agreed to send troops.
International consequences
Kenya, which also has troops in the region, will be organizing a summit meeting of the Community of East African States in the “next 48 hours”, in the presence of Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame. Last week, Turkey offered to mediate between the Congo and the M23, following a meeting with Paul Kagame. At the request of the DRC, the UN Security Council condemned the attack after an emergency meeting on January 26, calling for the withdrawal of “external forces” and highlighting the “shameless disregard” for the sovereignty of the DRC.
