Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have taken urgent measures to secure Goma, the provincial capital in the eastern part of the country, amid escalating violence as Rwandan-backed rebels advance on the city. On Sunday, multiple sources reported that access to Goma’s airport had been blocked, and flights were cancelled, with passengers already at the airport being urged to return home. United Nations (UN) staff were also instructed to avoid the airport and take shelter in place, as fears of the conflict spilling into the city mount.
Although the airport was not officially closed, the shutdown of flight operations highlighted the growing risks in the region as the M23 rebel group, accused of receiving support from Rwanda, continues to expand its control over DRC territory. The M23 insurgency, which has been ongoing for three years, saw a significant escalation in January 2025, with the rebels pushing further into areas previously under government control. On Sunday, the rebels issued a statement claiming that Goma’s airspace was now closed, signaling their intent to disrupt the movement of people and goods.
The violence in the region has sparked growing concern over the potential for a broader regional conflict, with the UN warning that the situation could escalate into a wider war. The UN Security Council convened on Sunday to discuss the crisis, ahead of its original scheduled meeting, as international attention intensifies. In recent days, the conflict has claimed the lives of several UN peacekeepers, with Malawi and Uruguay confirming the deaths of four of their troops who were part of the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO. This brings the total number of peacekeeper fatalities to six. Additionally, South Africa reported that nine of its nationals were killed in the fighting, including two from MONUSCO and seven from a separate mission.
The situation is exacerbated by accusations that neighboring Rwanda is supplying the rebels with arms and troops, though Rwanda denies these claims. On Saturday, DRC’s military accused Rwandan snipers of being responsible for the killing of North Kivu’s military governor. In response, Rwanda has remained tight-lipped, with no official comment on the allegations.
As gunfire echoed through the streets of Goma early on Sunday, hundreds of displaced civilians sought refuge in the city, adding to the already strained resources and infrastructure. A military source from the DRC confirmed that the rebels had destroyed equipment near Kilimanyoka, about 20 kilometers from Goma, but assured that the forces were holding firm in their defense of the city.
With the situation rapidly deteriorating, the eyes of the international community remain fixed on Goma, as it stands at the center of a conflict that threatens both regional stability and peace efforts in the region.