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By Shamim Chowdhury
Content Reporter
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M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, claimed to have taken control of Goma, eastern Congo's largest city, early on Monday, while a 48-hour deadline for the Congolese army to surrender expired.
The United Nations reported widespread panic among the city's two million residents, and Congo's government condemned the rebel advance as a "declaration of war."
The rebels issued their statement just as the deadline passed, signaling the capture of Goma minutes before heavy gunfire rang out across the city.
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Why It Matters
The M23's capture of the city follows a series of military gains along Congo's border with Rwanda. The group, mainly composed of ethnic Tutsis, had previously taken Goma in 2012, only to withdraw under international pressure.
This time, however, experts suggest the situation may be harder to resolve, because the rebels are primarily seeking control over territory rather than political integration.
Newsweek contacted the Rwandan and Congolese embassies in Washington D.C. by email on Monday for comment.
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What To Know
The M23 urged Goma residents to remain calm and directed Congolese military personnel to assemble at the central stadium.
Despite the rebels' assurances, the situation in the mineral-rich North Kivu region appears dire, with the U.N. estimating that over a third of the province's population is already displaced.
Two aid workers, speaking under anonymity, reported hearing shots in the city center on Monday morning.
The takeover of Goma is expected to worsen the humanitarian crisis.
Late Sunday, U.N. peacekeepers began processing soldiers who had begun to surrender on Goma's outskirts.
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Did Congolese Soldiers Fight M23 Rebels?
On Sunday, M23 gave the Congolese army an ultimatum to surrender their weapons or face an assault on the city.
The U.N. reported that Congolese soldiers began to disarm and seek refuge with peacekeepers. In one instance, more than 100 soldiers were sheltering at the one of its bases, awaiting disarmament.
In an emergency meeting, U.N. Special Representative Bintou Keita told the Security Council that M23 forces, with possible support from Rwanda, had advanced to Munigi, just 5.6 miles from Goma, triggering a mass exodus of civilians.
Why Has Congo Severed Ties With Rwanda?
Keita also stated that U.N. peacekeepers were relocating nonessential staff from the city.
At least 13 peacekeepers have been killed in recent days, and two U.N. peacekeepers from South Africa and one from Uruguay died during the latest fighting.
In a related development, Congo severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda on Saturday, accusing its neighbor of supporting the M23 insurgency, a claim Rwanda denies despite mounting evidence.
Rwanda's ambassador to the U.N., Ernest Rwamucyo, did not confirm the allegations but suggested that Congo's failure to commit to peace was the root cause of the violence.
What People Are Saying
Resident Muahadi Amani described the city's insecurity, saying,"We don't know where to go."
Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, in a video posted on X, confirmed the deteriorating situation, calling the conflict a "war situation" as the government rushed to secure civilian safety.
Congo's foreign minister, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, accused Rwanda of committing "a frontal aggression," which she said amounted to a declaration of war.
What Happens Next
As the humanitarian crisis deepens, civilians in Goma are fleeing the city, with some attempting to cross into Rwanda. The U.N. has warned that if the situation in Goma deteriorates, the consequences for civilians could be catastrophic.
This article contains additional reporting from The Associated Press
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