GOMA, DR Congo, Feb 12, (V7N) – Goma, once a thriving city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has now become a symbol of the ongoing conflict that has ravaged the region for over three decades. The city fell to M23 rebels and Rwandan military forces in late January, marking a significant escalation in the violence.

In early January, it seemed unlikely that Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, would fall. However, the situation quickly worsened as clashes around the city intensified. M23 rebels and Rwandan soldiers took control of Minova, a port on Lake Kivu, tightening their grip around Goma, which is home to about one million people, half of whom are displaced.

Despite efforts by the Congolese military, which received support from UN peacekeepers, regional forces, and local militias, the situation continued to deteriorate. By January 23, M23 forces and their Rwandan allies routed Congolese troops near Sake, and the fall of Goma seemed inevitable.

In the days leading up to the city’s capture, fighting was fierce, and Goma’s civilian population endured the brunt of the violence. The Congolese army and Romanian paramilitaries were unable to hold their ground, while Rwandan forces advanced, catching the defenders by surprise.

On January 26, Goma was bombarded as Rwandan soldiers crossed the border and entered the city. With heavy fighting in densely populated areas, civilians took shelter in their homes, and the military retreated. By the following day, many Congolese soldiers had fled, leaving behind disorganized units and little resistance.

The final days saw mass chaos, as prisons were breached, fires were set, and looting broke out in the absence of law enforcement. The few remaining soldiers tried to escape by boat, but many were gunned down or drowned in Lake Kivu.

By January 28, Goma had fallen completely. M23 fighters, with Rwandan backing, systematically combed the streets to eliminate the last pockets of resistance. The city’s infrastructure was heavily damaged, with hospitals overwhelmed, bodies lying in the streets, and civilians unsure of their fate.

The takeover of Goma by M23 and Rwandan forces marks a major shift in the power dynamics of the region. The once-hopeful residents now face an uncertain future, as their homes have been destroyed, and a new order takes hold in the streets of the city.

END/WD/RH/