GOMA – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has severed diplomatic relations with Rwanda as fighting intensifies between Rwanda-backed M23 rebels and Congolese forces near Goma, a strategic city in eastern Congo.
The violence has left at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers dead and displaced thousands of civilians.
The M23 rebel group, comprised mostly of ethnic Tutsis who defected from the Congolese army over a decade ago, has made significant territorial gains along the border with Rwanda in recent weeks. The group now threatens Goma, a city of around 2 million people that serves as a key hub for security and humanitarian operations.
Accusations and Diplomatic Fallout
Congo, the United Nations, and the United States accuse Rwanda of backing M23, a claim Rwanda denies. While Kigali acknowledges having troops in eastern Congo for security purposes, U.N. experts estimate that up to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are operating in the region.
On Saturday, the Congolese foreign ministry announced it was cutting diplomatic ties with Rwanda, ordering the immediate withdrawal of its diplomats. Rwanda has yet to respond to the announcement.
The U.N. Security Council convened an emergency meeting on Sunday at Congo’s request to address the escalating violence.
Civilians Flee as Fighting Nears Goma
Heavy gunfire and explosions echoed across Goma on Sunday, as displaced families fled the nearby Kanyaruchinya camp, located near the Rwandan border. Many sought refuge in Goma, while others attempted to cross into Rwanda.
“We are fleeing because we saw soldiers on the border with Rwanda throwing bombs and shooting,” said Safi Shangwe, a displaced resident heading to Goma. However, some feared Goma would not be safe either, as reports suggested the city was also under threat.
At border crossings east of Goma, hundreds of civilians attempted to enter Rwanda, with migration officers closely inspecting travel documents.
Military Clashes and Casualties
The M23 rebels recently seized the town of Sake, located 27 kilometres from Goma, heightening concerns that the city could soon fall. On Saturday, Congo’s army, supported by allied forces, including U.N. troops and the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), claimed to have repelled an M23 offensive.
The escalating violence has resulted in heavy casualties. Over the past two days, seven South African soldiers from SAMIDRC were killed, along with two South African peacekeepers and a Uruguayan soldier. Additionally, three Malawian peacekeepers were reported killed in eastern Congo.
Humanitarian and Security Crisis
The long-running conflict in eastern Congo, fueled by competition for control of the region’s rich mineral resources, has displaced millions of people and created one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. The U.N. peacekeeping mission in Congo (MONUSCO), which has operated in the country for over 20 years, maintains around 14,000 troops in the region to support stability.
As the M23 advance continues, concerns are mounting over the security of Goma and the humanitarian impact on its population.
