In a shocking escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), rebels from the Rwanda-backed M23 group have killed Major General Peter Cirimwami, the military governor of North Kivu, during a frontline visit on Thursday. The governor was struck down by M23 forces, and despite efforts to airlift him to the capital, Kinshasa, for medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries, confirmed army spokesperson Gen Sylvain Ekenge.
The killing of Gen Cirimwami has sent shockwaves through the region as it highlights the worsening security situation in DRC’s volatile eastern provinces. The M23 rebels, which had been relatively dormant for several years, have launched a fierce resurgence in recent months, intensifying their offensive and seizing control of significant territories. Their primary target now is Goma, the bustling city located near the Rwandan border, and the violence has displaced over 400,000 people since the beginning of the year, according to UN reports.
The rebels’ rapid advance has raised fears that Goma, which houses over a million people, could fall into M23 hands once again. The M23 briefly controlled the city during a previous uprising in 2012 before pulling out under a ceasefire agreement. This time, however, their forces have surrounded Goma, cutting off key access roads and severely hampering food and medical supplies from reaching the city.
Local authorities have expressed growing concerns about the suffering of Goma’s residents, as food shortages and a lack of medical care could soon overwhelm the already fragile healthcare system. Bahala Shamavu Innocent, a local union leader, described the dire situation, saying, “The town of Goma is held in a vice, suffocated with no entrances or exits. This population is suffering enormously.” With no safe passage for civilians and many families fleeing on foot, carrying mattresses and other essentials, Goma’s residents are at the mercy of the ongoing conflict.
In response to the mounting threat, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi cut short his participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos and returned home to convene urgent security meetings. He has ordered the Congolese army to push the M23 rebels out of the area and ensure that Goma remains under the control of the DRC government. President Tshisekedi emphasized the importance of “tracking down the enemy” and preventing them from gaining further ground in the region. This new offensive marks a significant turning point in the ongoing war, as Goma’s fall could lead to further territorial losses for the government.
The humanitarian toll of the conflict continues to rise, with more than 200 civilians reported killed in M23-controlled areas, according to local leaders. A particularly devastating incident occurred when two children lost their lives after bombs struck a camp for displaced people. This attack underscores the growing vulnerability of innocent civilians who are caught in the crossfire of the escalating violence. The United Nations has condemned these indiscriminate acts of violence and called for the protection of civilians and the respect for international humanitarian law.
In the midst of the unfolding chaos, international governments have issued urgent advisories to their citizens to evacuate Goma. The United States, United Kingdom, and France have all warned their nationals to leave the city immediately, citing the escalating risks posed by the advancing M23 forces. These advisories reflect growing concerns over the deteriorating security situation and the increasing danger to both local residents and foreign nationals.
Gen Cirimwami, who was appointed as North Kivu’s governor in 2023, had been tasked with addressing the long-standing conflict in the region. However, his tenure was marked by controversy due to his previous collaboration with the FDLR, an armed group accused of being involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. The FDLR’s presence in the region has been a point of contention between Rwanda and the DRC, with Rwanda accusing the Congolese government of working with the group. This longstanding tension between the two nations has contributed to the complexities of the current conflict.
On Thursday, M23 forces also seized control of the town of Sake, located just 20 kilometers from Goma. While the Congolese army claimed to have repelled the M23’s attack on Sake, the situation remains fluid, with thousands of displaced people fleeing toward Goma. Many of these individuals are being forced to seek shelter in overcrowded boats or in makeshift shelters, further straining the already stretched resources of Goma’s hospitals, which are struggling to treat the growing number of injured civilians.
The M23’s territorial gains in eastern DRC have been substantial since 2021, with the rebels capturing swaths of land rich in mineral resources. This region has long been a source of conflict due to its valuable natural resources, and the M23’s control of these areas has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leading to widespread displacement and suffering. The DRC government and the United Nations have repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, though Rwanda has neither confirmed nor denied these allegations. UN experts estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops are operating alongside the M23 in eastern DRC, further complicating the situation.
As the conflict continues to escalate, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of the potential for the violence to spill over into a broader regional conflict. The international community has called for all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC and to cease all forms of support for armed groups. However, with both local and regional tensions running high, the path to peace remains uncertain.
The situation in Goma and the surrounding areas is rapidly evolving, with thousands of lives at stake. As the M23 advances, the DRC government faces a critical challenge in defending its territory and protecting its citizens from the ongoing violence. The international community must urgently come together to support efforts to resolve the crisis and address the underlying political and humanitarian issues that continue to fuel the conflict. The future of Goma, and the wider region, hangs in the balance as the battle for control intensifies.
