The M23 rebels are exchanging fire with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) army in Goma, the capital of the North Kivu region. The fierce battle between the warring parties suddenly erupted on Monday morning, January 27, 2025, with the rebels dragging the control of Goma town with the country’s authority.
“Heavy and light arm detonations continue in several parts of the town, and it is uncertain who is really in control of this provincial capital as well as the neighbouring territory of Nyiragongo,” a local source in Goma told HumAngle. “All activities are paralysed, and most inhabitants prefer to remain locked in their houses.”
In Mapendo quarter around the commercial centre, local terrorists are taking advantage of the situation to create chaos, looting shops and abandoned houses. Virunga, Murara, les volcans and Kahembe quarters are particularly affected with bullet marks visible on houses in the neighbourhoods.
“There have been thunderous sounds all over the place here since yesterday. Things are not going well here, and we do not know who is in control of the town, and it is even difficult for us to move around even in our houses,” another local said.
The Congolese national television station in Goma is still broadcasting and has announced that it would dish out information whenever the situation permits.
“The Congolese National Radio/Television (RTNC) is going on well up till now and has been giving information whenever the environment and context permit,” declared Tuver Wundi, the TV’s provincial director.
Although certain international news outlets claimed the M23 rebels had captured the Goma town, HumAngle can categorically state that the situation remains confusing and tense, with no clear idea of who is in control.
Goma town maintains its usual outlook as of this morning, but sporadic gunshots could be heard, with the heavy presence of armed soldiers carrying military backpacks gathered on the streets notably at the Instigo roundabout and the Unitary Stadium.
“I have seen FARDC soldiers in their uniforms carrying our national flag. I have also seen Wazalendo in their usual mode of dressing and I have also seen men dressed in gaiters who may perhaps be M23 rebels,” a local witness told HumAngle, adding that soldiers are converging in different corners of the town as if ordered to do so.
The eyewitness explained that he had just seen “about ten army jeeps used by Rumanians carrying white flags, abandoned towards the headquarters of the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DR Congo (MONUSCO) near Lake Kivu”.
For now, life is timid in Goma town; streets are abandoned with few curious onlookers along the streets and in front of their homes.
Several officials had left the town by boat through Lake Kivu going to Bukavu. The police vice governor was among the delegations that left for Bukavu. There is no official presence in the town except troops and policemen. The Goma airport has been completely militarised and sporadic shootings can be heard in the environs.
The M23 rebels and the DR Congo army are locked in a battle over control of Goma, North Kivu’s capital, creating uncertainty and chaos in the town.
Local terrorists have exploited the situation, leading to looting and panic among the residents, who remain largely indoors due to continuous gunfire.
Despite conflicting reports about who holds power, the situation remains tense and unclear as sporadic gunshots and a heavy military presence are reported.
The Congolese national television continues to broadcast, promising updates when viable, while the streets of Goma appear eerily deserted, with only occasional observers noting the military activity.
Many officials have fled to Bukavu via Lake Kivu, leaving the town under military and police control, with Goma airport heavily militarized amid sporadic shootings.
Overall, the future of Goma remains precarious, with residents and authorities uncertain about the city’s stability.