M23 rebels seize Goma, Congo's largest eastern city
![M23 rebels seize Goma, Congo's largest eastern city](https://newsoftheworld.us/uploads/images/2025/01/image_750x_6799e7c13ec08.jpg)
M23 rebels captured Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's largest city, seizing control of the airport and causing widespread displacement. The offensive left dead bodies in the streets and triggered a mass exodus of civilians and UN personnel to neighboring Rwanda.
Approximately 4,400 inmates escaped from Goma's Munzene central prison during the chaos, with at least 10 prisoners killed in a fire during the breakout. Dozens of Congolese soldiers surrendered to Rwandan forces at the border, where they received medical examinations at a cultural center in Gisenyi.
The Congolese government, through spokesman Patrick Muyaya, claimed Rwandan troops were present in Goma and called for an end to Rwanda's "manipulative propaganda." Rwanda has consistently denied supporting the M23 rebels, despite accusations from Congo and the international community.
The situation has drawn international concern, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and permanent Security Council members calling on Rwanda to withdraw its forces and cease support for M23. Congo has blamed Rwanda for the death of North Kivu Governor General Peter Cirimwami, who was killed in battle.
The crisis has led to the displacement of over 400,000 people this year alone, according to the UN refugee agency. The seizure of Goma's airport threatens to disrupt aid delivery to hundreds of thousands of displaced people in the region.
The conflict, rooted in the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide and competition for Congo's mineral resources, represents the worst escalation since 2012. While some Goma residents were seen celebrating the rebels' arrival, many businesses remained closed, and sporadic gunfire was reported throughout the city. Local authorities have urged residents to stay home and avoid looting as the situation continues to develop.