The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has strongly condemned the killing of 52 civilians in Goma, North Kivu Province, allegedly carried out by the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels. The massacre, which occurred overnight between Friday and Saturday, has sparked outrage and renewed concerns over escalating violence in the eastern region.
In an official statement signed by Vice Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior Jacquemain Shabani, the DRC government accused the M23 of committing grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. The attack, which reportedly involved heavy gunfire and shelling, was concentrated in the Keshero and Lac-Vert neighborhoods of Goma, creating panic among residents and forcing many to flee their homes.
Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of chaos as the violence erupted around 10:00 p.m. local time. While calm returned by Saturday morning, the psychological and humanitarian toll of the assault continues to reverberate throughout the community.
Local media reported that the clashes involved M23 rebels who have controlled parts of Goma since January facing off against a coalition of the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and the Wazalendo self-defense militias. In response, the M23 accused the FARDC-Wazalendo alliance of launching coordinated overnight attacks on their positions.
Since taking control of Goma earlier this year, M23 has reportedly installed its own administrative structures in parts of the city, further complicating efforts to restore government authority and peace. The ongoing fighting in North Kivu and surrounding areas continues to destabilize the region.
According to the United Nations, approximately 1 million people have been displaced since January 2025 due to the renewed conflict, including around 400,000 children. The humanitarian crisis in North and South Kivu provinces is deepening, with displacement camps overwhelmed and aid agencies struggling to meet the growing needs.
The DRC government has called on the international community to take urgent action to halt the violence and hold perpetrators accountable, as hopes for a peaceful resolution appear increasingly fragile.
