By AGGREY BULUBA
In North Kivu, where conflict has long persisted, the M23 rebel group has regained control of Goma. Their political leader, Corneille Nangaa, has asserted their dominance over the city and shows no signs of retreat.
At a press conference in Goma’s Serena Hotel on Thursday, Nangaa accused the Kinshasa government of intentionally cutting off power and internet access. Nonetheless, he remained resolute. “We are Congolese, and we are here to stay,” he stated. “If provoked, we will march to Kinshasa.”
This is not the first time Goma has fallen to M23; the group occupied the city briefly in November 2012 before withdrawing under regional pressure and the promise of negotiations. Although they advanced toward Goma again in 2023, international intervention halted them. This time, however, the rebels seem determined to hold their ground. “When they tell us to retreat, where do they expect us to go? We are not leaving,” Nangaa insisted.
He also promised to restore electricity and internet services within 48 hours, though he did not specify how this would be accomplished. Since taking over, M23 claims to have captured hundreds of mercenaries, including over 280 Romanians, along with several UN peacekeepers. Many Congolese soldiers (FARDC) have surrendered or fled to Rwanda.
The fall of Goma has escalated regional tensions, prompting East African Community (EAC) leaders to seek a truce, while the Southern African Development Community (SADC) condemned the situation. The United States has issued its highest travel advisory, warning citizens against traveling to the Democratic Republic of Congo due to severe security risks.
Despite the international alarm, Nangaa sought to reassure Goma’s residents and neighboring countries. “We urge our people who fled to other countries to prepare to return home,” he said, noting that mechanisms for repatriation are being established.
Uganda and Rwanda currently host over 260,000 Congolese refugees, and the ongoing crisis threatens to worsen the humanitarian situation. M23’s leadership has vowed to restore stability, revive socioeconomic activities, invest in infrastructure, and implement humanitarian initiatives.
By Wednesday, M23 had consolidated its control over Goma, taking key installations such as the airport, border posts, maritime port, and national media offices. Reports from Rwandan media suggest that some residents in the areas they control have welcomed the rebels, with social media videos showing locals cheering as they entered the city before the internet shutdown.
As the situation unfolds, the key question remains: Will M23 stop at Goma, or will they push toward Kinshasa? As an old African proverb warns, “When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.” For the people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, uncertainty looms as they brace for what lies ahead.
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