The descent of Goma: A City At The Heart Of Turmoil

 Image from World Food Program

In the eastern expanse of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the city of Goma finds itself once again embroiled in a tempest of violence, as decades of simmering conflict erupt into full-scale devastation. With a population exceeding two million, Goma has been thrust into the frontline of an intensifying military campaign led by the M23 rebel group, whose advances, bolstered by Rwandan support, have triggered a full-scale crisis. This analysis seeks to explore the current turmoil engulfing Goma, the parties responsible, and the unbearable consequences borne by its civilian population.

Goma’s Collapse: The Rebel Surge

On January 27, 2025, Goma, the strategic hub of North Kivu province, fell under the control of the M23 rebel forces, signalling a grievous setback for both the Congolese military and international peacekeeping efforts. With the rebels receiving significant backing from Rwanda, their swift encroachment caught the Congolese forces and UN peacekeepers off guard. The air was thick with the sound of artillery bombardments, as explosions reverberated throughout the city, sending residents fleeing in terror. Official sources from the DRC government maintain that it retains a grip on the majority of Goma, yet reports from on-the-ground sources suggest that the rebels have firmly secured critical infrastructure, including the city's vital airport and transport arteries. Notably, Goma’s airspace has been shut down by the M23, isolating the city and further exacerbating the already dire plight of civilians, humanitarian organizations, and international diplomats trapped within.

The Humanitarian Abyss

The humanitarian consequences of this renewed conflict are devastating and rapidly worsening. The region’s hospitals are overwhelmed, struggling to accommodate victims of intense violence, with patients flooding medical centers suffering from gunshot wounds and injuries inflicted by shrapnel. Tragically, the Charity Maternity Hospital in central Goma was bombarded, resulting in the deaths of pregnant women and newborns, further underscoring the horrors faced by the city’s most vulnerable. Amidst the violence, essential services such as water, electricity, and communications have been severely disrupted, deepening the humanitarian crisis. The DRC, already home to over six million displaced persons, has seen a sharp increase in displacement, with an additional 400,000 people forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in increasingly overcrowded camps or spilling across borders into Rwanda. Aid organizations, including the World Food Programme, have been forced to halt operations, warning of an impending food insecurity crisis that threatens to further destabilize the region.

 

The Global Response: Diplomatic Strains and Security Concerns

As the violence escalates, the international community has been thrust into a precarious position, with the United Nations and foreign governments urgently calling for ceasefire negotiations. The UN Security Council convened emergency sessions, urging the cessation of hostilities and demanding that Rwandan forces withdraw from Congolese territory. There has been widespread condemnation of the attacks on UN peacekeepers, with the tragic loss of 13 soldiers from countries including South Africa, Uruguay, and Malawi in the crossfire. However, Rwanda’s involvement remains a contentious issue. While the DRC and UN accuse Rwanda of providing direct military support to the M23, Rwanda staunchly denies these claims, instead accusing the DRC of harbouring and supporting rebel groups hostile to Rwanda. Diplomatic ties between the DRC and Rwanda have reached a breaking point, with the Congolese government severing all diplomatic relations and calling for international sanctions against Rwanda, further complicating any hopes of peaceful resolution.

The Roots of the Crisis: Ethnic Tensions and Resource Struggles

The current conflict in Goma, like much of the violence that has plagued eastern DRC, is rooted in a complex web of ethnic rivalry, political power struggles, and economic ambitions. M23, composed predominantly of ethnic Tutsi fighters, presents itself as the defender of the Tutsi minority in DRC, a group that has historically faced discrimination and violence in the region. Yet, many analysts argue that M23’s objectives extend beyond ethnic concerns, with the group seeking control over the region’s vast natural resources, including coveted minerals such as coltan and gold. These resources are integral to the global technology industry, further intensifying external interests in the region. Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict remains a subject of debate. While President Kagame has framed Rwanda’s actions as a defense of ethnic Tutsis, critics argue that Rwanda’s interest in eastern DRC is more strategically motivated, driven by the desire to control resources and expand Rwanda’s regional influence.

What Lies Ahead? The Path to Escalation

The fall of Goma marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing crisis, as the M23 rebels consolidate their hold over a critical urban center. Experts suggest that this could be the precursor to a broader military campaign, with the rebels poised to expand their territorial gains throughout the region. Diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire are underway, with the African Union and the East African Community seeking to mediate peace talks. Yet, the history of failed ceasefire agreements in the DRC casts doubt on the prospects for lasting peace. The growing complexity of the conflict, with multiple factions and external actors involved, creates a challenging environment for diplomatic negotiations, and the situation appears to be teetering on the brink of further escalation.

Conclusion: The Struggle for Peace

The crisis in Goma lays bare the harsh realities of a nation trapped in an unrelenting cycle of violence, fuelled by both internal and external forces. The humanitarian toll continues to mount, as the people of Goma endure unimaginable suffering, caught in the crossfire of a conflict whose roots run deep. As the international community grapples with how to effectively address the crisis, one thing is certain: without a comprehensive approach to both alleviating immediate suffering and addressing the underlying causes of the conflict, Goma will remain a symbol of the tragic human cost of warfare. The urgent need for peace, justice, and accountability has never been more pressing.

Written by Sarafin Cherono, a student of law at the University of Nairobi.