bet88 Congo’s Never-Ending War: M23 Rebels Invade Goma

M23 rebels release captured Romanian mercenaries, who were fighting alongside Democratic Republic of Congo army Photo: AP M23 rebels release captured Romanian mercenaries, who were fighting alongside Democratic Republic of Congo army Photo: AP

Rwanda-backed rebels have tightened their hold on Gomabet88, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, after making rapid territorial gains along the Rwandan border. The city, home to around two million people and centre for security now faces the risk of a full takeover. 

Violence has engulfed the streets, with hospitals overwhelmed by wounded civilians and power outages plunging the city into darkness. M23 rebels have attacked Goma with heavy firing, killing and injuring many while forcing countless others to flee. Several UN peacekeepers have also been killed or wounded in the fighting.

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The M23 rebels have attacked Goma as part of their push to control eastern DR Congo’s vast mineral wealth, including gold, coltan, cobalt, and diamonds. For over 30 years, the region has been plagued by conflict, with armed groups fighting for dominance.

“These attacks continue to ravage the city, killing, injuring, traumatising, and displacing civilians and exacerbating the crisis,” said Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations of the UN Peacekeeping mission in DRC.

Amid the worsening crisis, Van de Perre has urged the quick creation of humanitarian corridors and the protection of civilians, calling on all sides to stop fighting and engage in political dialogue.

Who are the M23 Rebels?

The M23, or March 23 Movement, is a rebel group in eastern DR Congo,funph games formed in 2012 by ethnic Tutsi fighters. They claim to be protecting minority Tutsis and Kinyarwanda speakers from persecution, arguing that the Congolese government has failed to uphold past peace agreements. The group takes its name from a 2009 peace deal that was meant to end a previous Tutsi-led rebellion.

M23 claims to be defending ethnic Tutsis in DR Congo from violence by Hutu militias, but the region’s vast mineral wealth, including gold, copper, coltan, and cobalt, is also a key factor in the conflict.

How is Rwanda involved?

Although M23 claims to be fighting for the protection of Tutsis, many believe the group is a tool for Rwanda’s deeper ambitions in DR Congo

The UN has reported that Rwanda has deployed thousands of troops to eastern Congo, working alongside M23 in violation of Congo’s sovereignty.

UN experts state that Rwanda’s army is effectively in control of M23 operations, providing training, advanced weaponry, and strategic guidance. Some believe President Paul Kagame is trying to reshape Congo’s borders, expanding Rwanda’s influence in the mineral-rich east.

Despite mounting evidence, Kagame has consistently denied supporting M23, even as the rebels continue to gain ground. As violence has escalated, Congo has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose troops are part of the foreign peacekeeping forces in Congo, held the "Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia" responsible for the violence and called for the rebels to withdraw.

Meanwhile, Rwandan President Paul Kagame stated on X that he had spoken with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the need of a ceasefire and addressing the root causes of the conflict.

Outlook on Congo

In its recent anniversary issue, Outlook reported on the ongoing wars around the world. The magazine extensively reported on the evolving idea of Africa and analysed the power struggles within its societies, shaped by caste-like social structures.

A photo story featured in the issue put a human face to the war in Congo. Daniel Buuma’s humanising images juxtaposed with the dehumanising effects of warbet88, poverty, and displacement foster empathy and inspire action.