Escalating Conflict Forces Mass Displacement in Goma, DR Congo

Thu Sep 18 2025 15:44:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

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.