PANIC IN GOMA AFTER M23 CAPTURE SAKE

The Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern city of Goma is in turmoil after Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized control of Sake town on Thursday, January 23rd.

M23 is now set to push towards Goma, just 25 km (15 miles) away from Sake.

The resurgence of fighting comes after peace negotiations between the presidents of Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which were slated to take place in Luanda, Angola, on December 15th, 2024. Since the beginning of 2025, M23 has achieved a series of successful offensives, tightening its grip on Goma by capturing surrounding mineral-rich towns.

Goma, home to 2 million residents and thousands more streaming in after fleeing intense fighting between M23 and Congolese troops, is effectively sealed off, with M23 blocking the two primary supply routes from the west and north.

The only escape route is via Lake Kivu, notorious for its dangerous conditions and frequent boat accidents due to overcrowding and inadequate safety measures in the conflict-ridden area.

The capture of Sake follows M23's earlier takeover of Masisi, a key location in the mineral-rich territory, just weeks prior. In a clear indication of the escalating situation, Congolese Communication Minister Patrick Muyaya stated on January 22nd to France24 that war with Rwanda is “an option to consider.”

A report from UN experts in June 2024 indicated that Rwanda had deployed approximately 3,000 to 4,000 troops to support M23, facilitating their territorial expansion in eastern Congo. The M23 group has faced accusations of committing atrocities against civilians, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian crisis in the Great Lakes region.

This ongoing resource-driven conflict, which has persisted for three decades, is recognised as one of the most devastating and prolonged wars in modern history. It involves over 120 militias and armed groups, many allegedly backed by foreign governments and interests. The conflict has resulted in approximately 6-million deaths, over 7-million internally displaced individuals and numerous reports of sexual violence.

Sources:

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-68255614

https://www.trtworld.com/africa/m23-rebels-battling-drc-army-approach-goma-city-after-seizing-sake-town-18257339

https://www.voanews.com/a/fighting-reaches-outskirts-of-eastern-congo-s-largest-city-as-rebels-close-in-/7948493.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zR8p4lxujI8