In a significant turn of events, the M23 rebel group announced in the early hours of January 27, 2025, that it had captured Goma, the capital city of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This marks a major development in the prolonged conflict in the region.
Lawrence Kanyuka, the political spokesperson for M23, confirmed the takeover and called for calm among Goma’s residents. “The liberation of the city has been successfully completed, and the situation is now under control,” he stated.
Kanyuka also demanded that soldiers of the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) surrender their weapons to MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping mission. He instructed FARDC troops to assemble at Goma’s Stade de l’Unité before 3 a.m., warning that after this deadline, M23 would fully secure the city.
According to reports, MONUSCO’s Uruguayan contingent has received a significant number of FARDC soldiers fleeing from M23’s advance. Meanwhile, M23 has temporarily halted all activities on Lake Kivu and Lake Albert, pending further announcements.
The capture of Goma comes two days after M23 issued a 48-hour ultimatum, urging FARDC to disarm to prevent turning the city into a combat zone. This ultimatum followed days of heavy fighting since January 23 in Sake and Goma’s surrounding areas, where both sides suffered intense clashes.
Despite reinforcements from MONUSCO and troops from the Southern African Development Community (SAMIDRC), the allied forces failed to hold Goma against the advancing rebels. Ultimately, they withdrew after being overpowered.
The fall of Goma is a critical blow to the Congolese government and raises serious concerns about the security of North Kivu province. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as fears grow over the potential humanitarian and political repercussions of M23’s continued advance.
