M23 Rebels Capture Goma, FARDC Surrenders Weapons to MONUSCO
Goma – The city of Goma has fallen into the hands of M23 rebels following intense fighting between the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) Armed Forces (FARDC) and the rebel group in the early hours of Monday.
Congolese soldiers, now in retreat, have begun surrendering their weapons and equipment to MONUSCO at Goma Stadium, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.
In an official communiqué, M23, also known as the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), declared the “liberation” of Goma, announcing a series of measures to consolidate their control over the strategic city.
“The 48-hour ultimatum given to FARDC personnel has come to an end. All military personnel must immediately hand over their weapons and military equipment to MONUSCO and assemble at Stade de l’Unité,” the communiqué stated.
The rebels also ordered the suspension of lake activities and urged residents to remain calm, asserting that the situation was under control.
Uruguay, which contributes peacekeepers to MONUSCO, said in a statement on Monday morning that, more than a hundred FARDC soldiers have been preserved in the installations of the “Siempre Presente” base in Goma.
M23’s takeover of Goma follows weeks of intensified clashes between the rebels and FARDC forces in the outskirts of the city. The group’s latest offensive began last week, culminating in fierce battles that pushed Congolese forces back into the city center.
Scenes of Congolese soldiers surrendering their arms to MONUSCO peacekeepers at Goma Stadium highlight the scale of the FARDC’s retreat.
Sources on the ground report that the army’s withdrawal was hastened by the intensity of M23’s assault and logistical challenges faced by government forces in defending the city.
MONUSCO, which has been providing logistical and artillery support to FARDC during the conflict, confirmed that it is working to ensure the safe collection of surrendered weapons and the protection of civilians amid the city’s transition. The capture of Goma exacerbates an already dire humanitarian crisis in North Kivu. Hundreds of thousands of civilians have fled the fighting, with many seeking refuge in overcrowded displacement camps or neighboring areas.
he suspension of lake activities, a key source of livelihood for many in Goma, is expected to deepen economic hardships.
Hospitals in the city remain overwhelmed, and aid agencies warn that access to critical supplies, including food, water, and medical care, is severely limited.
The closure of Goma’s airspace and continued fighting in the region have further complicated efforts to deliver humanitarian assistance.
Regional Reactions
The fall of Goma has sent shockwaves through the region, prompting renewed calls for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.
Kenyan President William Ruto, as chairperson of the East African Community (EAC), has called for an emergency summit within 48 hours to address the crisis.
Ruto urged both Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame to commit to dialogue under the Luanda and Nairobi peace processes.
“The EAC stands ready to forge stronger collaboration with the African Union, SADC, and the international community to prioritize peace and dialogue,” Ruto said in a statement.
The international community has expressed concern over the implications of M23’s control of Goma.
Recent UN reports accused Rwanda of backing the rebel group, a charge Kigali denies. The DRC government, meanwhile, has called for stronger international action, including sanctions against Rwanda, which it accuses of violating Congolese sovereignty.
By ChimpReports