Tuesday January 28, 2025
Displaced Congolese civilians cross into Rwanda seeking refuge amid escalating violence in eastern DR Congo. The ongoing clashes between M23 rebels and government forces have forced thousands to flee their homes, heightening regional tensions.
Mogadishu (HOL) — Heavy fighting between the M23 rebel group and government forces has plunged Goma, a major city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, into turmoil, disrupting lives, livelihoods, and trade. The escalating violence has killed at least 17 people, injured over 300, and forced thousands, including Somali business owners, to shelter in their homes as the city teeters on the brink of a humanitarian crisis.
Residents report relentless gunfire and explosions, with some trapped in their homes since Sunday. “We can’t leave. Gunfire is constant outside,” said Lucie, a Goma resident hiding indoors. Video footage from locals shows M23 fighters patrolling key streets, further fueling fears among civilians. While the rebels claim to have taken control of Goma, the Congolese government insists it retains key strategic positions, including the city’s airport.
Somali traders, who play a role in the city’s economy, are severely affected by the conflict. Many have been forced to halt operations and take shelter as the fighting intensifies.
Goma hosts a small but thriving Somali business community, primarily involved in the fuel trade and cargo exports. However, the violence has brought their operations to a standstill. “Fuel trade is the backbone of our businesses, but everything has stopped,” said Subeyr Haji, a Somali entrepreneur.
Haji described how the M23 rebels entered Goma following the collapse of some Congolese army units. “Some soldiers surrendered, while others resisted, leading to heavy clashes,” he told the BBC. Although Somali businesses remain shuttered, Haji noted that no Somali casualties have been reported. “So far, there’s no evidence of targeted attacks against Somalis. We’re experiencing the same challenges as everyone else in Goma,” he said.
The closure of Goma’s airport has left Somali traders stranded, unable to leave the city or transport goods, further compounding the crisis.
The deteriorating situation in Goma has drawn international attention. Kenyan President William Ruto, in his capacity as chair of the East African Community, has called for an immediate ceasefire. On Monday, he announced an emergency summit scheduled for Wednesday involving the leaders of DR Congo and Rwanda.
Ruto urged regional leaders to facilitate dialogue and find a peaceful resolution. “This is a critical moment for the region. We must work together to end this conflict,” he said.
The M23 rebel group, active in eastern DR Congo since 2021, has gained control of vast territories in the mineral-rich region. Over the past few weeks, their rapid advance toward Goma has intensified fighting, displacing hundreds of thousands of people.
The United Nations refugee agency estimates that more than 400,000 people have fled their homes in North and South Kivu provinces since early 2025. For many, this is not their first time seeking refuge. “This is the fourth time I’ve had to flee from M23,” said Alice Feza, a displaced resident. “I don’t know how much more I can take.”
The conflict has hampered humanitarian efforts. Key roads in and out of Goma have been cut off, and the city’s airport is no longer operational. The United Nations has warned that the inability to deliver aid or evacuate vulnerable residents could worsen the dire humanitarian situation.
Despite M23’s claims of capturing Goma, the Congolese government maintains that it controls strategic locations, including the airport. However, with the city paralyzed by violence, uncertainty looms for its residents and business owners.
- With files from the BBC Somali Service
