Rwandan-backed M23 rebels complete takeover of key Democratic Republic of Congo city
The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels now have full control of Goma's airport and the border with Rwanda. Civilians who fled the rebels must now contend with life under their rule.
Tuesday 28 January 2025 17:35, UK
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have completed their three-day capture of Goma - the regional capital of eastern DRC - after fierce battles with Congolese forces.
The rebel group now has full control of the city's airport and the border with Rwanda, as the constant gunfire and shelling around our hotel has gone silent to mark their victory.
Mortars and artillery coming in from the Rwandan side of the border have ceased now too.
The city is a humanitarian hub and a safe haven for hundreds of thousands who fled the M23 insurgency in other parts of the region.
As the group advanced on Goma's outskirts, masses of women and children fled deeper into the city for safety.
Now, they will have to contend with what life will look like under their rule.
Read more:
Inside Congolese city overrun by rebels
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Hospitals in town have been overwhelmed by injured civilians wounded in the crossfire and many of Goma's residents have been trapped in their homes without electricity, running water and mobile internet.
The swathes of territory in eastern DRC that M23 has captured with its vast, lucrative mines and supply routes have now culminated in their capture of Goma.
A city that - on the surface - looks limited in strategic and economic significance but is the ultimate leverage for the path ahead.