Reports from humanitarian organizations such as UNHCR or ICRC

M23 Rebels, Backed by Rwanda, Advance on Goma, Displacing 400,000 Amid UN Warning

Jan 24, 2025, 09:00 AM

The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda and led by the Tutsi faction, has intensified its advance towards Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) with a population of 2 million, sparking widespread panic and displacement. Over 400,000 people have been displaced since the start of the year due to the escalating conflict, with nearly 600,000 displaced in the regions west of Goma. The rebels, part of the Congo River Alliance, have seized key towns such as Minova and Sake in North Kivu province, positioning themselves just 20 kilometers from Goma, a vital trading hub. The United Nations has warned that the conflict could escalate into a broader regional war, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing alarm over the situation. The Congolese army, supported by UN peacekeepers and the Southern African Development Community, is engaged in fierce battles to halt the M23 advance. The fighting has led to significant casualties and overwhelmed medical facilities, with over 270 wounded treated in recent weeks. The situation has prompted the US, UK, and France to urge their citizens to leave Goma, as the city faces critical days ahead with damaged electricity lines causing power cuts.