Overview
- The M23 rebel group, with alleged support from Rwanda, captured the strategic city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo on January 23, 2025, after three days of fighting.
- Goma, a key city near the Rwandan border, is critical for its mineral wealth and infrastructure, including roads, a port, and an airport, making it a vital hub for exports.
- Rwanda defends its involvement, citing border security concerns and the presence of extremist Hutu groups in eastern Congo, which they claim threaten their national stability.
- The M23, largely composed of Tutsis, accuses the Congolese government of marginalizing the Tutsi minority, with tensions rooted in the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
- The conflict has displaced thousands, creating a humanitarian crisis, while fears grow over potential regional escalation involving neighboring countries like Uganda and Burundi.