Fighting Near Goma Escalates as M23 Rebels Advance 

Tensions rise in the Democratic Republic of Congo as fighting near Goma escalates, with M23 rebels advancing and sparking fears of further instability in the region.

On Saturday, military vehicles were spotted advancing towards the front lines near Goma in eastern Congo amidst ongoing clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels. The Congolese armed forces released a statement commending their soldiers along with the Wazalendo armed group for their “determination” in battling against M23 rebels, whom they allege receive support from Rwanda.

The continued violence has left many Goma residents feeling anxious and fearful.

Local resident Mumbere Alain depicted the tense situation: “For three hours, we have been hearing bombs. We are frightened and concerned because we don’t know where to flee. We urge the government to take all necessary actions to send soldiers to the front lines and help drive out the enemy.”

The conflict has severely impacted peacekeepers, resulting in the deaths of six South African U.N. personnel during the clashes. One of their armored vehicles was found abandoned and burning near Goma. M23 rebels have advanced considerably, further encircling Goma—a crucial regional center for security and humanitarian operations—with their territorial gains.

Musandanya Sikuzote, another resident, expressed worries about the increasing number of casualties: “We are deeply concerned when we see the growing numbers of dead and injured among both military personnel and Wazalendo returning from the front. We urge the government to mobilize its forces so that peace can be restored.”

The town of Sake, just 27 kilometers from Goma, was recently seized by M23 rebels. This seizure has severed one of the last major routes into the city, intensifying regional tensions.

This recent development arises in the context of a conflict that has persisted for more than ten years, playing a significant role in one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.