DR Congo Crisis: Thousands of Displaced in Goma Forced to Flee Again
February 11, 2025
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo – Thousands of displaced people in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), have been forced to flee their homes once more due to renewed fighting between government forces and rebel groups.
The latest clashes erupted on Thursday, February 9, near the city’s airport, forcing at least 10,000 people from the Mugunga III displacement camp to flee for safety. The camp is home to an estimated 80,000 people who have been displaced by previous fighting in the region.
According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), the newly displaced families are seeking shelter in schools, churches, and other public buildings in Goma. Many are sleeping on the streets, exposed to the elements and in urgent need of food, water, and medical attention.
The clashes between government forces and the M23 rebel group have been ongoing for several months, and have displaced over 400,000 people in eastern DRC. The M23 group is a Tutsi-led rebel movement that seized control of Goma in 2012 and briefly occupied the city again in October 2022.
The latest fighting comes despite efforts by the Congolese government and regional leaders to negotiate a peace agreement. A ceasefire was agreed upon in November 2022, but it has been repeatedly violated by both sides.
The humanitarian situation in Goma is dire. Access to basic services such as healthcare, education, and clean water is limited, and the displaced population is extremely vulnerable. The United Nations and other aid organizations are struggling to meet the growing needs of the displaced.
The international community has condemned the renewed fighting and called for an immediate end to the violence. The UN Security Council has authorized an intervention force to support the Congolese government in its efforts to restore peace and stability to the region.
However, experts warn that a military solution alone will not be sufficient to resolve the underlying causes of the conflict in eastern DRC. They call for a comprehensive approach that addresses the political, economic, and social grievances of the region.
DR Congo crisis: Thousands of displaced in Goma forced to flee again
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