Rwanda-backed M23 rebels announce capture of Goma city in Democratic Republic of Congo

Rebel forces have taken control of Goma, the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), vowing to continue their offensive towards the capital, Kinshasa.

Corneille Nangaa, leader of an alliance that includes the M23 rebel group, declared their objective to overthrow President Félix Tshisekedi’s government, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Despite international calls for a ceasefire, unconfirmed reports suggest the Rwanda-backed rebels are now advancing towards Bukavu, another key city in the mineral-rich east. The escalation has displaced around 500,000 people, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis, according to the United Nations.

In a televised address, Tshisekedi vowed a "vigorous and coordinated response" to reclaim lost territory. "The Democratic Republic of Congo will not let itself be humiliated or crushed. We will fight and we will triumph," he declared.

Nangaa, addressing journalists in Goma, announced that the rebels had taken over the administration of the city, pledging to restore essential services after electricity and water supplies were disrupted. "We will continue the march of liberation all the way to Kinshasa," he said. However, analysts consider such an advance unlikely, given the vast distance—2,600 km (1,600 miles)—between Goma and Kinshasa.

The crisis has further inflamed tensions between DR Congo and Rwanda, which Kinshasa accuses of backing the rebels. Rwanda, in turn, denies direct involvement and has accused the Congolese government of sheltering Hutu militias responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

The situation has also escalated regional tensions, particularly between Rwanda and South Africa. Rwandan President Paul Kagame warned Pretoria of a potential confrontation after South African President Cyril Ramaphosa accused Rwanda of supporting M23 fighters, who were linked to the deaths of peacekeepers.

"If South Africa prefers confrontation, Rwanda will deal with the matter in that context any day," Kagame said in a strongly worded statement.

The conflict has prompted strong international reactions. The UN, European Union, and countries including the US and China have called on Rwandan forces to withdraw from DR Congo. Meanwhile, the UK and Germany have threatened to cut aid to Rwanda, with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy stating that £32 million ($40 million) in annual assistance was under review.

Southern African leaders are set to convene for an emergency summit on Friday to address the escalating conflict.

By Vugar Khalilov