M23 rebels advance as efforts to contain DRC crisis intensify

Alleged members of the Congolese military, Wazalendo militiamen, and other Congolese forces walk in line while being escorted by members of the M23 armed group in Goma on 28 January, 2025.

Rwanda-backed fighters were in control of almost the entire city of Goma in the DR Congo on Wednesday, as residents began to re-emerge after days of deadly fighting, while Angola urged the leaders of both countries to attend peace talks.M23 forces are reportedly continuing their advance raising fears of a wider conflict in the region.

The rebels’ approach to Kavumu – home to Bukavu’s airport – risks triggering clashes with Congolese and Burundian troops already deployed to defend the DRC's South Kivu province.

Tshisekedi skips crisis summit as M23 tightens grip on eastern DRC

While some Congolese forces reportedly hold out in isolated areas, rebel patrols have become a common sight, according to Reuters, reinforcing their dominance in the region.

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Residents have described a surreal reality, with one commenting to the news agency's reporters that it feels as though they are living “between two nations”.

Diplomatic efforts continue

International and regional efforts have been ramped up to broker peace, but progress remains elusive.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame has called for a ceasefire, speaking with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the need to address the root causes of the conflict.

However, with reports of up to 4,000 Rwandan troops allegedly operating in the DR Congo, his appeals have been met with scepticism.

(With newswires)


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