Escalating Conflict Forces Mass Displacement in Goma, DR Congo

Sat Apr 26 2025 07:25:31 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Escalating Conflict Forces Mass Displacement in Goma, DR Congo

As rebel forces approach the city of Goma, tens of thousands are fleeing amidst accusations of foreign intervention by Rwanda.


The advance of M23 rebels toward Goma has triggered a humanitarian crisis in Eastern DR Congo, displacing over 400,000 individuals this year alone. International calls for de-escalation and withdrawal of foreign troops highlight the complex dynamics at play in the region.


Tens of thousands of residents in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are evacuating their homes as rebel forces rapidly approach the strategic city of Goma. Local media reported explosions and gunfire in Goma, which has a population exceeding one million, on Sunday night, raising alarm over an impending takeover.

A spokesperson for the M23 rebel group announced their intention to seize Goma by 03:00 local time. This announcement coincided with accusations from DR Congo’s foreign minister against Rwanda, claiming that the country has effectively declared war by sending its troops to aid the M23 rebels. However, Rwanda has countered that it has taken a defensive stance amid rising tensions.

Since 2021, the M23 rebels have gained control over significant portions of eastern DR Congo, particularly in the mineral-rich regions. Their recent push towards Goma has accelerated displacement, with more than 400,000 individuals reported as uprooted from their homes in North and South Kivu provinces since the beginning of 2025, according to the United Nations refugee agency.

One displaced woman, Alice Feza, expressed the hopelessness felt by many. Having fled multiple sites including Kiwanja and Rutshuru before arriving in Goma, her story reflects the plight of countless others: "People are fleeing everywhere, and we don't know where to go anymore," she lamented, stressing the dire situation facing those dislocated by conflict.

UN Secretary General António Guterres has urged Rwanda to withdraw its troops and called for an immediate cessation of hostility from the M23 group, underscoring the gravity of the conflict. Guterres condemned the killing of 13 peacekeeping personnel during clashes, marking a critical moment for international engagement.

Meanwhile, countries like the UK and France have echoed demands for the protection of peacekeepers and a withdrawal of foreign forces. Rwanda, while acknowledging its involvement, has shifted responsibility to DR Congo’s military, citing violations of a ceasefire.

As the international community grapples with this crisis, the UN has announced the withdrawal of non-essential personnel from Goma while continuing essential operations. The unfolding situation remains precarious as both military and humanitarian challenges loom large.

MORE ON THEME

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:20:40 GMT

Desperation in Sudan: Fleeing Displaced Families Resort to Eating Leaves and Charcoal

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 14:20:40 GMT
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:07:24 GMT

# Israel Accelerates A.I. Development Amid Gaza Conflict

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 09:07:24 GMT
Fri, 25 Apr 2025 03:24:31 GMT

**Ceasefire Agreement Reached Between DR Congo and M23 Rebels in Qatar Talks**

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 03:24:31 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 20:52:36 GMT

Congo and M23 Agree to Cease Hostilities: A Surprising Turn in the Ongoing Conflict

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 20:52:36 GMT
Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:38:31 GMT

Ceasefire Reached Between DR Congo and M23 Rebels Amid Ongoing Violence

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 07:38:31 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:07:25 GMT

US Envoy Affirms Trump's Commitment to Africa Amid Controversial Aid Cuts

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 19:07:25 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:46:13 GMT

U.S. Vice President Vance Signals Potential Withdrawal from Ukraine Peace Talks

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:46:13 GMT
Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:42:45 GMT

Syria's New President Calls for International Support Amid Geopolitical Challenges

Wed, 23 Apr 2025 09:42:45 GMT
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:13:06 GMT

Pope Francis Leaves Gaza Catholics in Mourning

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 17:13:06 GMT
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:35:01 GMT

Shifting Alliances: Syria's Unexpected Arrests of Palestinian Extremists

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 16:35:01 GMT
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:54:01 GMT

Russia and Ukraine Show Signs of Opening Up Peace Talks Amid U.S. Pressure

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:54:01 GMT
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:21:14 GMT

Who are the Leading Contenders in the Race for the Next Pope?

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 14:21:14 GMT
Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:28:37 GMT

History of Failed Ceasefires in Ukraine Continues to Complicate Peace Efforts**

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 09:28:37 GMT
Sun, 20 Apr 2025 18:00:09 GMT

DR Congo Prohibits Former President's Party Amid Rising Tensions

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 18:00:09 GMT
Sun, 20 Apr 2025 15:12:06 GMT

Israeli Military Acknowledges Failures in Gaza Medics' Deaths

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 15:12:06 GMT
Sun, 20 Apr 2025 11:24:16 GMT

**DR Congo Government Accuses Joseph Kabila's Party of Rebel Associations**

Sun, 20 Apr 2025 11:24:16 GMT
Sat, 19 Apr 2025 23:09:17 GMT

**Caught in a Cycle of Conflict: The Plight of a South Sudanese Family**

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 23:09:17 GMT
Sat, 19 Apr 2025 17:21:24 GMT

**Putin Proposes 30-Hour Easter Truce, Ukraine Skeptical of Intentions**

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 17:21:24 GMT
Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:56:40 GMT

Desperate Exodus: Internally Displaced Families Struggle for Safety Amid Sudan Conflict

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 16:56:40 GMT
Fri, 18 Apr 2025 01:02:58 GMT

Hamas Denies Ceasefire Proposal Amid Ongoing Conflict

Fri, 18 Apr 2025 01:02:58 GMT

Follow us

© 2024 SwissX REDD UK ltd. All Rights Reserved.