By Sarah Baafi
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing a dramatic rise in violence as the March 23 rebel which is known as the M23 has captured Goma, a city in the region . This takeover, which occurred on January 26, marks a significant shift in the ongoing conflict, with M23 asserting control over a key economic hub that borders Rwanda and is rich in minerals. The city’s fall has resulted in widespread panic and displacement, with thousands fleeing to escape the fighting.
The comeback of M23, a Tutsi-led group that first emerged in 2012, is rooted in long-standing ethnic tensions and grievances regarding the treatment of Tutsis in the DRC. The group claims to protect the rights of its community, arguing that previous peace agreements have been ignored. However, many view M23 as a proxy for Rwandan interests in the region, given allegations of military support from Kigali. This has raised concerns about further regional instability as Rwanda’s involvement complicates an already volatile situation.
As M23 expands its territory, humanitarian conditions are deteriorating rapidly. Over 23 million people in the DRC face food insecurity, with more than 400,000 displaced since the beginning of 2025 alone. The ongoing violence has overwhelmed local health facilities, which struggle to cope with an influx of injured civilians. Reports indicate that armed clashes are not only limited to Goma but have also spread to surrounding areas which has intensify an already severe humanitarian crisis.
The DRC’s armed forces (FARDC) have been engaged in fierce battles with M23 fighters, but their efforts have been hampered by internal divisions and limited resources. The conflict has drawn in other armed groups as well, including the Islamic State Central Africa Province (ISCAP), which has taken advantage of the security vacuum to increase its activities. This multitude of factions complicates peace efforts and raises fears of a protracted conflict that could engulf neighboring countries.
International reactions have been mixed, with calls for urgent diplomatic intervention growing louder. The East African Community (EAC) has convened an emergency summit to address the escalating crisis, signaling regional leaders’ concern over the implications for stability and security in East Africa. However, previous peace initiatives have faltered, leaving many skeptical about the prospects for a lasting resolution.
As Goma remains under M23 control and fighting continues to spread southward toward Bukavu, the situation remains risky. The international community must respond decisively to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe and restore stability to a region plagued by decades of conflict and exploitation. Without immediate action, million more may suffer as violence disrupts lives and livelihoods across eastern Congo.
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