DR Congo: Battle for Goma continues as ‘volatile’ crisis unfolds
January 27, 2025
Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo – Intense fighting is ongoing on the outskirts of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as government forces engage in heavy clashes with rebel groups seeking to seize control of the strategically important city.
The latest round of violence erupted on Wednesday, January 25, when M23 rebels, a predominantly Tutsi group that has been active in the region since 2012, launched a coordinated attack on several army positions near Goma. The rebels have been steadily advancing since then, capturing several key towns and villages in the surrounding area.
Government forces, backed by United Nations peacekeepers, have fought back fiercely to repel the M23 offensive. Heavy artillery exchanges have been reported on the outskirts of Goma, as both sides seek to gain the upper hand in the battle for control of the city.
The fighting has sent thousands of civilians fleeing their homes in search of safety. Aid agencies have warned of a humanitarian crisis as the number of displaced people continues to grow. Many have sought refuge in makeshift camps outside Goma, where conditions are dire and access to basic necessities is limited.
The United Nations Security Council has condemned the renewed violence and called for an immediate ceasefire. The international community has also urged both sides to engage in political dialogue to resolve the underlying causes of the conflict.
However, negotiations have so far failed to yield any progress. The M23 rebels have accused the government of breaking previous peace agreements and have demanded significant concessions before they will agree to lay down their arms. The government, for its part, has accused the rebels of being manipulated by foreign powers and has vowed to defeat their insurgency.
As the battle for Goma rages on, the situation in the eastern DRC remains highly volatile and unpredictable. The fighting has raised fears of a wider regional conflict, with neighboring countries such as Rwanda and Uganda potentially drawn into the fray.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation and has called for an immediate end to the violence. Aid agencies are also stepping up their efforts to provide assistance to those affected by the conflict.
As of the time of writing, the outcome of the battle for Goma remains uncertain. The fighting continues to be intense, and the humanitarian crisis is worsening. The international community is urging both sides to engage in meaningful negotiations to end the violence and bring peace to the region.
DR Congo: Battle for Goma continues as ‘volatile’ crisis unfolds
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