Democratic Republic of Congo was hit with intensifying violence on Friday after fighting broke out between the army and M23 rebels just outside Goma, causing the United States, the United Kingdom, and France to advise its citizens to leave the city immediately. The warning, through online statements, emails, and SMS, indicate that the situation in the volatile eastern region has the possibility of rapidly deteriorating.
M23 rebels, reportedly supported by Rwandan forces, have gained significant ground in recent weeks, encircling Goma, home to over a million people. The conflict has triggered a humanitarian crisis, with over 400,000 people displaced this year alone, nearly double the figure from the previous week, according to UNHCR spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh. Many displaced families have fled to Goma, living in dire conditions as heavy shelling continues near the city.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres said he was “deeply concerned” about renewed hostilities, warning that they would devastate civilians and increase the danger of a regional war. He urged an end to violence now.
The fighting intensifies Friday around the Kanyamahoro-Kibumba axis, within 20 miles of Goma. Rockets and artillery had been reported firing near Sake, a town strategically located northwest of Goma, where rebels have taken strategic positions. There is also increasing violence that leaves North Kivu’s military governor, General Peter Cirimwami shot dead near frontline.
The DRC government, led by President Felix Tshisekedi, has convened high-level defense meetings on the crisis. Repeated ceasefire agreements and other diplomatic efforts have failed to end the war as peace talks mediated by Angola have failed, while Turkey has made mediation offers.
The war continues to center in the town of Goma, which has been devastated by the years of war ravaging eastern DRC for over three decades. M23 had briefly occupied the city in 2012, but they were ousted by the Congolese and UN forces.