Rebels take over Congo city as thousands flee

By Rorisang Modiba

  • Armed rebels called M23 have taken over Goma city in Congo, forcing people to run from their homes as fighting continues.
  • The UN says more than 400,000 people have had to leave their homes since the start of 2025 because of the fighting.

Armed fighters from the M23 group have taken over Goma, a major city in eastern Congo, after defeating government soldiers in battle.

The streets of Goma are now quiet after hours of gunfire, but thousands of people have fled their homes to escape the violence.

The fighting has worsened since 2021, with M23 now controlling large parts of eastern Congo where valuable minerals are located.

The United Nations (UN) says more than 400,000 people have been displaced since the start of 2025.

Congo’s top diplomat has accused neighbouring Rwanda of supporting M23, but Rwanda claims Congo is backing armed groups seeking to overthrow the Rwandan government.

Kenya is trying to mediate the conflict and has called for peace talks. Leaders from neighbouring countries are planning an emergency meeting.

The UN has called on Rwanda to stop supporting M23 and withdraw its soldiers. Thirteen UN peacekeepers have died in the fighting, further escalating the crisis.

Goma’s airport is now closed, making it harder for people to leave the city. Rwanda claims Congo’s army broke the peace agreement first and blames them for the ongoing conflict.

The UN is relocating some of its staff from Goma but continues to assist those in need.

Dakota Legoete, the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, has expressed deep sadness over the loss of nine members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

“These brave soldiers were deployed to the DRC as part of a peacekeeping mission aimed at promoting stability and safeguarding the region. Their sacrifice serves as a solemn reminder of the heavy price of freedom,” Legoete said.

Pictured above: Soldiers in Congo. 

Source: X

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