"AFRICA/DR CONGO – Did the Military Leadership's Flight Pave the Way for Goma's Capture?"

Goma (Agenzia Fides) – According to sources from the local Church in Goma, who wish to remain anonymous for security reasons, the situation in the city is dire. "There are around two million people in need, with at least a million being displaced from other areas in North Kivu due to the ongoing conflict," they reported.

The situation worsened when M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, seized control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Local observers noted that the collapse of the Congolese army (FARDC) began late on Sunday evening, when military commanders fled the city on boats heading toward Bukavu, about 100 kilometers away. From there, the leaders traveled by plane to Kinshasa. Left without commanders, the remaining Congolese troops faced well-equipped M23 rebels and Rwandan soldiers. The rebels swiftly captured key areas of the city, including the center, the port, and the airport. Many Congolese soldiers either surrendered to the rebels or sought refuge with MONUSCO peacekeepers.

The fall of Goma was violent, resulting in numerous deaths, with bodies still lying in the streets. There are over a thousand people injured, further straining an already overwhelmed healthcare system that is grappling with shortages of water, electricity, food, and medical supplies.

As of January 29, the situation in Goma has somewhat stabilized, although sporadic gunfire has been reported in certain areas. However, looting has been widespread, with food stores, including those of the World Food Programme (WFP), and local markets targeted. Power outages persist due to downed high-voltage pylons, which has halted the pumping of water from Lake Kivu, making it impossible to purify. This, coupled with disruptions to supply deliveries, has resulted in an escalating food crisis.

On the political front, Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23 movement, has declared his intent to overthrow the Kinshasa government. Observers note that this echoes the events of 1997, when rebels backed by Rwanda and Uganda seized Kinshasa, forcing then-President Mobutu into exile. There is speculation that M23 may turn its focus on Bukavu, trying to minimize casualties. Nangaa is believed to be capitalizing on widespread discontent among soldiers, who feel betrayed by their leaders and poorly equipped for the harsh conditions at altitudes of 1,500 to 1,700 meters.

Corneille Nangaa, who served as president of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) from 2015 to 2021, was sentenced to death for treason in August 2024 following the establishment of the Congo River Alliance in 2023. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 29/1/2025)