The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again engulfed in a devastating conflict, with the eastern city of Goma at the epicenter of violence that has claimed at least 700 lives and left 2,800 injured sence Sunday, according to the UN. The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and are now advancing south toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. This escalation marks a grim chapter in a conflict that has plagued the region since the 1990s.
The M23, composed primarily of ethnic Tutsis, claims to fight for minority rights, but the DRC government accuses them of seeking control over the eastern region’s vast mineral wealth. UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric warned that the death toll is expected to rise further, as the World Health Association and its partners continue to assess the situation. “The casualty figures came from an assessment made between Sunday and Thursday,” Dujarric said.
In response to the rebel advance, the DRC military has established a defensive line on the road between Goma and Bukavu. Hundreds of civilian volunteers have also joined the fight to defend bukavu. One young man told AFP, “I am ready to die for my country.” Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, the governor of South Kivu, claimed that government forces and their allies are holding back the rebels, though this has not been independently verified.
The conflict has drawn international attention, with DRC foreign Minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner accusing Rwanda of orchestrating regime change. “Rwanda is illegally occupying my country,” Wagner told the BBC. She criticized the international community for failing to hold Rwandan President Paul Kagame accountable for violating international law. Rwanda’s government spokeswoman Yolande Makolo denied the allegations, stating, “We’re not interested in war, we’re not interested in annexation, we’re not interested in regime change.”
the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) has pledged its support for the DRC, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Sadc has deployed peacekeeping troops, primarily from South Africa, to combat armed groups like the M23 and restore peace in the mineral-rich region. Though, the fighting has already claimed the lives of 16 Sadc soldiers in clashes around Goma.The humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC is worsening by the day. Shelley Thakral of the UN’s World Food Program reported that residents are running out of food, clean water, and medical supplies. “The supply chain has really been strangled at the moment if you think about land access, air access, when everything is closed down,” she told AFP. Since the start of 2025, over 400,000 people have been displaced, according to the UN’s refugee agency.
the DRC, Africa’s second-largest country, has a history of conflict that has drawn in neighboring nations, earning it the grim moniker of “Africa’s World Wars.” as the M23 rebels vow to continue their offensive toward the capital Kinshasa, the international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and prevent further bloodshed.
| key Points | Details |
|—————-|————-|
| Casualties | 700 killed, 2,800 injured since Sunday |
| Rebel Advance | M23 captured Goma, moving toward Bukavu |
| Humanitarian Crisis | 400,000 displaced, shortages of food and supplies |
| International Response | Sadc deploys peacekeeping troops, Rwanda denies involvement |
| Historical Context | Conflict dates back to the 1990s, dubbed “africa’s World Wars” |
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation as the M23 continues its march. The world watches anxiously, hoping for a resolution to a crisis that has already caused immeasurable suffering.
unpacking the DRC Crisis: M23 Rebels,Humanitarian Crisis,and International Response
Table of Contents
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again engulfed in a devastating conflict,with the eastern city of Goma at the epicenter of violence. The M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have captured Goma and are advancing toward Bukavu, causing widespread displacement and a deepening humanitarian crisis. To better understand the situation, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com sits down with Dr. Amina Nkosi, a renowned expert on African geopolitics and conflict resolution, to discuss the latest developments, the historical context, and the international response.
The Escalation of the M23 Rebels
Senior Editor: Dr. Nkosi, thank you for joining us. the M23 rebels have captured Goma and are now moving toward Bukavu. Can you explain the motivations behind their advance?
Dr. Amina Nkosi: Thank you for having me. The M23, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, claims to fight for minority rights in the DRC. However, many believe their true aim is to control the mineral-rich eastern region, which is a significant source of wealth. Their capture of Goma and advance toward Bukavu mark a strategic push to consolidate power and possibly destabilize the government in Kinshasa.
The Humanitarian Crisis
Senior Editor: The conflict has displaced over 400,000 people, and residents are facing severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. What are the immediate challenges in addressing this crisis?
Dr. amina Nkosi: The humanitarian situation is dire. The fighting has disrupted supply chains, cutting off land and air routes critical for delivering aid.Organizations like the UN World Food Program are struggling to provide basic necessities. Without immediate international intervention, the situation will worsen, leading to more suffering and potential loss of life.
International Response and RwandaS Role
Senior Editor: The DRC has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a claim Rwanda denies. what is your take on this accusation, and how is the international community responding?
Dr. Amina Nkosi: The allegations against Rwanda are not new and are rooted in longstanding tensions between the two nations. While Rwanda denies involvement, the DRC and several international observers maintain that Rwanda provides logistical and military support to the M23. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has deployed peacekeeping troops to the region, but the conflict requires a more robust and coordinated international effort to prevent further escalation.
Historical Context and the Road Ahead
Senior Editor: This conflict is often referred to as ”Africa’s World Wars.” Can you provide some historical context, and what do you see as the path to resolution?
Dr.Amina Nkosi: The conflict in the DRC dates back to the 1990s and has involved multiple nations,earning it the grim moniker of “Africa’s World Wars.” the M23’s resurgence is a continuation of this protracted struggle for power and resources. A sustainable resolution requires addressing the root causes, including governance issues, ethnic tensions, and the exploitation of natural resources. The international community must pressure all parties to engage in dialog and support peacebuilding initiatives.
conclusion
Senior Editor: Dr. Nkosi, thank you for your insights. The situation in the DRC remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation. What is your final message to our readers?
Dr. Amina Nkosi: The crisis in the DRC is a stark reminder of the devastating impact of conflict on civilians. While the international community has taken steps to address the situation, much more needs to be done to alleviate the suffering and achieve lasting peace. The world must not turn a blind eye to this unfolding tragedy.
