Intense fighting in Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has left at least 700 people dead and over 2,800 injured, according to the United Nations. The violence erupted as M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, seized control of Goma and advanced further south, threatening Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. The UN has warned that the death toll is expected to rise as clashes continue.
The M23, a group composed mainly of ethnic Tutsis, claims they are fighting for the rights of their minority group. However, the DRC government accuses Rwanda of backing the rebels in their quest to seize control of the region’s abundant mineral resources. The fighting, which has its roots in conflicts dating back to the 1990s, has escalated sharply in recent weeks, exacerbating an already fragile security situation in the region.
In response to the M23’s advances, the DRC military has set up a defensive line between Goma and Bukavu, enlisting hundreds of civilian volunteers to help protect Bukavu. Local volunteers, some of whom have expressed a willingness to die for their country, have joined the fight to hold back the rebel forces. Despite these efforts, M23 forces are reported to be pushing forward, with their sights set on Kinshasa, the capital of DRC, located about 2,600 kilometers to the west.
Internationally, the conflict has drawn widespread attention. Rwanda’s government has denied allegations of military involvement, with spokeswoman Yolande Makolo stating that Rwanda’s forces are only in place to prevent the violence from spilling over into their territory. In contrast, DRC’s foreign minister has accused Rwanda of illegally occupying Congolese territory and attempting to orchestrate a regime change.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) expressed its support for DRC, reaffirming its commitment to the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. SADC has also deployed peacekeeping troops, mainly from South Africa, to address the M23 insurgency. However, the conflict has taken a heavy toll on civilians. As of early 2025, more than 400,000 people have been displaced, exacerbating the region’s already dire humanitarian crisis. Access to food, clean water, and medical supplies is becoming increasingly scarce as supply chains are disrupted.
The situation remains volatile, and it is clear that the crisis in the DRC is far from over. The international community’s response will be crucial in preventing further loss of life and addressing the humanitarian needs of those affected by the violence.
