In brief
The M23 militia has taken control of Goma in eastern Congo, fueled by Rwandan backing. This victory has raised concerns for the local population, many of whom are fleeing violence while navigating the complex landscape of armed conflict ongoing since the 1990s.
The M23 militia, supported by Rwanda, has declared the capture of Goma, a pivotal city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This significant move marks a serious escalation in long-standing conflicts in the region. Previously occupied by M23 in 2012 before being defeated, the group has returned with intentions to maintain control and exploit the region’s mineral wealth, as per United Nations assessments.The capture has sent shockwaves through the local population, many of whom have fled violence and are now caught in an even more precarious situation. A spokesperson for M23 confirmed the city’s “liberation,” indicating that Congolese military personnel had to surrender their arms to the United Nations. Although there were reports of gunfire in Goma, it remains unclear if the transfer of arms has been completed.The eastern Congo conflict, stretching back to the 1990s, has involved numerous armed groups, with M23 emerging as a significant force in recent years. The humanitarian implications for the displaced residents of Goma are severe as they now face the rule of the very armed group they had sought to escape.
