Democratic Republic of Congo President Felix Tshisekedi has cut short his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos to address the escalating conflict in the country’s eastern region, where the M23 rebel group has intensified its offensive.
Since the start of the year, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured more territory than ever, including the towns of Masisi, Minova, and recently Sake, which lies just 20 km (12 miles) from the provincial capital of Goma. The conflict has displaced more than 400,000 people, according to the United Nations, with many fleeing towards Goma, a city of over one million people near the Rwandan border.
Local leaders report that over 200 civilians have been killed in M23-controlled areas, while two children died after bombs hit a camp for displaced people. Residents of Sake and surrounding areas, many already displaced by the ongoing violence, are fleeing with essentials, creating overcrowding in Goma and straining local hospitals.
The capture of Goma would be a significant victory for the M23, which briefly controlled the city during a rebellion in 2012. However, Congolese forces claim they repelled the rebel attack on Sake.
The conflict has worsened food insecurity as roads leading to Goma are blocked, sparking fears of shortages. Local union leader Bahala Shamavu Innocent described the city as being “suffocated,” while opposition leader Espoir Ngalukiye expressed grave concerns about safety and access to food.
The M23 has seized control of large swathes of mineral-rich eastern DR Congo since 2021, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands. While both DR Congo and the United Nations accuse Rwanda of supporting the rebels, Rwanda denies involvement.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the escalating conflict risks triggering a broader regional war, adding urgency to President Tshisekedi’s return to address the crisis.
