The leader of a rebel alliance that has seized control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has pledged to continue their offensive toward the capital, Kinshasa. Corneille Nangaa, who heads the coalition of rebel groups including the prominent M23 faction, declared their ultimate goal is to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi’s government.
Unverified reports indicate that the Rwanda-backed rebels are advancing toward Bukavu, the second-largest city in the mineral-rich eastern region, despite international appeals for a ceasefire. In a televised address following Goma’s capture, President Tshisekedi vowed a “vigorous and coordinated response” to reclaim lost territory. “Be assured: the Democratic Republic of Congo will not be humiliated or crushed. We will fight, and we will triumph,” he stated on Wednesday evening.
The conflict has displaced approximately 500,000 people, exacerbating an already severe humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations. On Thursday, Nangaa asserted the rebels’ control over Goma, presenting themselves as the new administrators and promising to restore essential services. The city has been without electricity and water since fighting intensified last week, and food supplies are dwindling. “We will continue our liberation march all the way to Kinshasa,” Nangaa declared.
Analysts, however, consider such an advance unlikely due to the vast distance—Kinshasa lies 2,600 kilometers (1,600 miles) away. Nevertheless, a similar scenario unfolded in 1997 when Rwanda-backed forces ousted long-time leader Mobutu Sese Seko.
Nangaa’s remarks have fueled anger in Kinshasa, where the government accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels and even deploying troops in Goma. Rwanda faces mounting international criticism, despite denying direct military involvement. The M23, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, claims to fight for the rights of the minority group in DRC. Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, also a Tutsi, accuses the Congolese government of sheltering Hutu militias linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Both the UN and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) have peacekeeping forces in the region, but they have failed to halt the rebel advance. Several peacekeepers have been killed, with South African troops suffering the highest casualties—13 deaths. On Wednesday, Kagame warned that Rwanda is prepared for confrontation with South Africa if necessary, following accusations by President Cyril Ramaphosa that M23 fighters and Rwandan forces were responsible for the deaths. Kagame criticized Ramaphosa for misrepresenting their private discussions, stating, “If South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day.”
This exchange marks a significant escalation in tensions between the two nations, whose relationship has been strained for years. Southern African leaders are set to convene a summit on Friday, with Kagame dismissing the regional force’s role in the conflict. Meanwhile, Tshisekedi praised the SADC soldiers and UN peacekeepers for their efforts.
The UN, European Union, and countries including the US and China have called for Rwandan forces to withdraw from DRC. Additionally, donor nations like the UK and Germany have threatened to cut aid to Rwanda. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned that £32 million ($40 million) in annual bilateral aid is at risk, while Germany has suspended aid negotiations with Rwanda.
