Rwanda-Backed M23 Rebels Seize Strategic Congolese City of Goma

The rebel group M23, supported by Rwanda, has taken control of Goma after intense fighting, raising concerns about regional stability and humanitarian crises.

• 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.

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