The United Nations voiced deep concern over reports that M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan troops, were advancing southward towards Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), following their recent seizure of Goma, Reuters reported.
The escalation marks the most significant development in the decades-long conflict since 2012, raising fears of a potential regional war. The M23’s capture of Goma and their push into South Kivu province represent a strategic expansion, as they aim to control territory not held by rebel groups since the end of the Congo Wars (1996–2003).
The absence of UN peacekeepers in South Kivu exacerbates the humanitarian and security risks, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. Rwanda claims its involvement is defensive, accusing the Congolese military of collaborating with ethnic Hutu militias targeting Tutsis in Congo and threatening Rwanda.
Congo, however, denies the allegations and accuses Rwanda of using M23 as a proxy to exploit the region’s mineral wealth. UN experts have documented the illegal export of looted minerals through Rwanda.
The conflict has drawn in neighbouring Burundi, which supports Congolese troops in South Kivu, further heightening the risk of a broader regional confrontation. Meanwhile, international pressure on Rwanda, including Germany cancelling aid talks and the UK threatening to withhold £32 million in annual assistance, has so far failed to curb the violence.
Humanitarian crisis
In Goma, M23 rebels have positioned themselves as the city’s new administrators, urging residents to resume normal activities. However, the situation remains volatile, with streets deserted and patrolled by heavily armed fighters.
The World Health Organisation reports over 2,000 injuries and at least 45 deaths from recent fighting, while displacement camps around Goma, housing around 800,000 people, are rapidly emptying as civilians flee the violence.
M23 leader Corneille Nangaa declared the group’s intention to remain in Goma and continue their march towards Kinshasa, the Congolese capital over 1,600 km away. However, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi vowed to reclaim all the lost territory, accusing Rwanda and its “M23 puppets” of terrorism.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame, meanwhile, criticised Tshisekedi for harbouring Hutu militias and lashed out at South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for blaming Rwanda for the escalation. Kagame also warned that Rwanda would confront any external threats.
If South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day.
International response
US President Donald Trump described the crisis as a “very serious problem” but did not outline a peace plan. Moreover, Western calls for restraint have been met with anger from Rwanda, which accuses critics of ignoring Congo’s role in the violence and victim-blaming.
As the conflict intensifies, the humanitarian toll continues to rise, with hundreds of thousands displaced and the region teetering on the brink of a wider war. The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and broker a sustainable resolution to the crisis.