27.01.2025

Goma (DR Congo) conquered by Rebel Group M23

For years, Goma was a safe city for hundreds of thousands. What the current development is going to bring to them? The future will tell. Photo by: Pere Celeste

After achieving significant territorial gains over the past three weeks, the M23 rebel group captured the provincial capital of Goma in North Kivu, Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo, in the early hours of 27 January. Troops from the UN Mission MONUSCO withdrew to their base at Lake Kivu and ceased fire. The troops lack a mandate to engage in regular combat operations against the attackers. Reports indicate that Burundian and South African soldiers are attempting to de-escalate the conflict, though threats of fighting have reportedly emerged in Bukavu and Sake.

Over the weekend, members of the MONUSCO mission were evacuated from the country after several soldiers from the international peacekeeping force were killed. The situation is currently described as chaotic and extremely fragile. The humanitarian crisis remains dire, with many among the hundreds of thousands of displaced persons fleeing the surrounding areas to Goma in recent days. Hundreds of civilians have been killed during the recent weeks of violent conflict. Eyewitnesses report that the residents of the city, home to over a million people, fear for their lives amidst ongoing shootings.

UEM Member Church Affected

The Baptist church Communauté Baptiste au Centre de l'Afrique (CBCA), headquartered in Goma, and its congregations have been directly impacted by the violence. The church is a member of the United Evangelical Mission (UEM) and has been providing humanitarian aid to over half a million internally displaced persons in Eastern Kivu for years, with substantial support from the UEM communion of churches. In response to the current escalation in the region, the President of the Baptist church, Rev. Dr. Jonathan Kavusa, issued the following message to the UEM communion: “We ask for prayers and solidarity with the people affected by war and violence in Goma and Eastern Kivu.” It is estimated that more than 100 rebel groups are active in the region.

The National President of the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC), Rev. Dr. André Bokundoa, stated in a press release: “The Church of Christ in Congo is deeply concerned about the deterioration of security and the humanitarian situation in North Kivu Province, particularly in the city of Goma.” The ECC leadership has urgently called on national authorities to activate an emergency plan and ensure the protection of displaced civilians across all regions. The ECC church, headquartered in Kinshasa (DR Congo), is also a member of the UEM community.

Call to the German Government

Together with the Ecumenical Network Central Africa (ÖNZ), the UEM calls on the German government to ask the Rwandan government to cease its support for the M23 rebel group and to advocate for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. “It is to be hoped that Europe, including the German government, recognises military conflicts of such immense magnitude in Africa and takes concrete measures – including towards countries like Rwanda and other nations involved in the region – to end the war and protect the civilian population,” said Jochen Motte, JPIC Officer Germany for the UEM and member of the German Federal Government’s Advisory Board for Civilian Crisis Prevention and Peacebuilding.

The conflict between the M23 and the army of the Democratic Republic of Congo has intensified since the start of the year, with the rebels gaining control over increasingly large areas. As the M23 advanced towards Goma, more than 400,000 people fled their homes, according to a UN report. During their advance, the M23 also captured the towns of Masisi and Minova. Local authorities report that over 200 civilians were killed in areas captured by the M23. Hospitals in Goma have treated hundreds of injured individuals. According to the United Nations, two children died when bombs struck a camp for displaced persons. Human Rights Watch has warned of increasing dangers to civilians amidst the fighting between the Congolese army and M23 rebels. According to the BBC, aid organisations hold both sides accountable for severe human rights violations against civilians. There are growing fears that the region may descend into open, large-scale military conflict.