Verified reports from international news agencies and official statements from the DRC government

DR Congo: M23 Rebels Advance on Goma; 13 Peacekeepers Killed, UN Calls Emergency Meeting

Jan 25, 2025, 07:02 PM

Fighting has escalated in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo as M23 rebels advance towards the key city of Goma, home to two million people. The rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified clashes with the Congolese army and UN peacekeepers, who are engaged in 'intense' fighting. The United Nations has expressed alarm over the situation, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning of a potential regional conflict. Over 400,000 people have been displaced since early January, according to the UN. In recent days, nine South African peacekeepers, three Malawian soldiers, and one Uruguayan soldier have been killed, and nine UN peacekeepers injured in the fighting, totaling 13 foreign soldiers killed. Human Rights Watch has expressed concern over the increasing risks to civilians as the M23 approaches Goma. The UN Security Council has called an emergency meeting to address the crisis, while the DRC government has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, ordering its embassy to close within 48 hours.