President Ruto shared the development on Sunday night in a statement posted on his X account, describing the ongoing conflict in Eastern DRC as a severe humanitarian crisis.
“The escalating deteriorating peace and security situation in the DRC is of grave concern. The humanitarian crisis is being exacerbated by ongoing military actions, including the closure of airspace in Goma,” he stated.
President Ruto urged all parties to pursue dialogue as a way to resolve the crisis.
“As chair of the EAC, I call on the parties to the Luanda process and my brothers, President Félix Tshisekedi and President Paul Kagame, both of whom I have spoken to this evening, to heed the call for peace from the people of our region and the international community,” he said.
Ruto added that after consulting with his fellow EAC leaders, they agreed to convene an extraordinary summit of the EAC Heads of State within 48 hours to determine the way forward.
His announcement came in the wake of heavy fighting near the outskirts of Goma, with the M23 rebel group openly declaring its intent to take control of the city.
In the early hours of Monday, January 27, 2025, M23 political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka announced the rebel group had taken control of Goma and urged residents to remain calm.
He also urged Congolese soldiers still in Goma to surrender their arms to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in DRC (MONUSCO) and gather at Goma’s Stade de l’Unité before 3 a.m., warning that after the deadline, the city would be fully under M23’s control.
The group’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, confirmed the takeover in the early hours of January 27, 2025.
“We urge the residents of Goma to remain calm. The liberation of the city has been successfully carried out, and the situation is under control,” Kanyuka stated.
As M23 fighters moved into the city, Kanyuka called on DRC soldiers to surrender their weapons to United Nations peacekeeping forces under MONUSCO.
He also instructed them to gather at Goma’s Stade de l’Unité before 3 a.m., warning that after the deadline, the city would be fully under M23’s control.
Uruguayan peacekeepers with the UN mission reported that many DRC soldiers began fleeing M23 advances late last night.
M23 has also temporarily suspended activities on Lake Kivu and Lake Albert, pending further announcements.
The group’s capture of Goma followed a 48-hour ultimatum issued to DRC forces, demanding they lay down their arms to avoid turning the city into a battlefield.
This ultimatum came after several days of intense fighting around Sake and the outskirts of Goma, which began on January 23.
Despite assistance from UN forces and the Southern African Development Community (SAMIDRC), the DRC military was eventually overpowered, forcing the withdrawal of allied troops and paving the way for M23 to seize control of the city.
He highlighted this in an exclusive interview with IGIHE on Sunday, January 26, 2025.
Mukuralinda emphasized that while fighting continues between the M23 group and the DR Congo army, along with allied groups including Burundian forces, Wazalendo, FDLR terrorist group, SAMDRC, and mercenaries, and some of the fighting is near Rwanda’s border, citizens have no cause for concern.
“What I can assure you is that Rwanda’s security, particularly in Rubavu and other nearby areas, is secure with no problems arising,” he stated.
“No one has crossed from Congo to destabilize Rwanda, but citizens have reported hearing gunfire nearby. Indeed, it’s no surprise that fighting is near Rwanda’s border, and it’s also not surprising that a stray bullet might land in Rwanda.”
Some residents of Rubavu District expressed concerns due to hearing gunfire close to them, and in some cases, bullets have landed on Rwandan soil after being fired from the DRC.
Alain Mukuralinda explained that while fighting is occurring near Rwanda’s border, it is possible for a bullet to land on Rwandan soil, but this should be investigated by the relevant authorities to understand the cause.
He said, “This has happened before, as we know. The important thing is that when it happens, Rwanda’s army also monitors the situation. They track it to determine if a bullet fell, whether anyone was injured, if there was damage, and if the bullet’s fall was accidental, a mistake, or if it was intentional.”
He confirmed that once the investigation is completed, the Rwandan Government informs citizens of the findings and reiterated that there is no cause for alarm regarding the country’s security.
Mukuralinda also mentioned that any citizen with concerns can approach local civil and military authorities, who can provide guidance on how to respond.
Reliable reports indicate that one bullet pierced a house in Cyanzarwe Sector, Busigari Cell, Bugu Village, entering from outside. In Rubavu District’s Rutagara area, a bullet hit and killed a resident’s goat.
Regarding those who might believe the gunfire near Rubavu is a result of provocations by the DRC, Mukuralinda stated that such incidents would be thoroughly investigated and addressed by the relevant commission.
He added, “If it happens, Rwanda’s army will investigate and take the necessary steps. If residents remember anything about the incident, we have a joint commission where both countries collaborate. So, if a bullet falls in Rwanda or if an aircraft crosses the border, military personnel infiltrates, all of these situations are handled by a commission that makes decisions to clarify what occurred.”
He said that relocation could be considered if it is found that civilians in areas affected by the conflict in the DRC.
Since tensions arose between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, there have been repeated incidents of provocations from the Congolese side, including violations of Rwandan airspace by the DRC’s military aircraft, with one such incident resulting in the aircraft being shot in January 2023.
Mukuralinda emphasized that Rwanda’s army is vigilant and prepared to defend the country against any potential attack.
In a statement released on Sunday, January 26, 2025, the fighters accused the coalition forces of “using Goma airport to load bombs that are killing the civilian population”.
The fighters called for foreign troops working alongside the FARDC to stop killing civilians and immediately withdraw from the country’s territory.
“The coalition forces supporting the Kinshasa regime are using Goma airport to load bombs that are killing the civilian population,” said M23 political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka.
“AFC/M23 calls on all foreign armed forces present in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the Burundian National Defense Force (FDNB), SAMIDRC, Private Military Companies (MPC) Ajemira, to immediately stop killing our people and leave Congolese soil.”
In recent days, heavy fighting has occurred between government forces (FARDC) and their allies, including SAMIRDC, Burundi’s military, MONUSCO troops, and allied groups such as FDLR and Wazalendo, in areas surrounding the City of Goma, with many FARDC soldiers having been expelled from these areas by the M23.
At least 13 soldiers from MONUSCO and SADC were killed over the last two days as M23 sought to capture Goma.
Meanwhile, M23 on Saturday, January 25, 2025, called for government forces and their allies to lay down their arms within 48 hours to prevent the conflict from escalating further.
Countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States have recently advised their citizens in Goma to leave and seek safer areas.
Yesterday, the UN announced that it had decided to temporarily relocate non-essential staff from Goma following a sharp escalation in hostilities.
In a statement, the UN confirmed that the relocation affects administrative personnel and those whose tasks can be performed remotely. However, the organization emphasized that this decision will not impact its ongoing humanitarian efforts in North Kivu, particularly in providing food, medical aid, and shelter to vulnerable populations.
The relocation will be reassessed as the security situation continues to evolve.
Reports of the death of Ntawunguka, also known as Omega began circulating on Saturday morning. He is said to have died during clashes between the M23 rebel group and a coalition of forces including the FDLR in Nyiragongo territory.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olivier Nduhungirehe also mentioned the death of Ntawunguka while addressing the ongoing cooperation between the Congolese army, FARDC and the FDLR.
In a post on X, Minister Nduhungirehe pointed out that the collaboration was evidenced by a recent visit by the First Lady of the DRC, Denise Nyakeru Tshisekedi, to a hospital to see FDLR fighters injured in combat with the M23 fighters.
“I guess that we don’t need any more evidence of the support that this Rwandan genocidal force, which has spread its extermination ideology to the whole FARDC military coalition, benefits at the highest level in Kinshasa,” Minister Nduhungirehe stated.
He added, “It is worth noting that this visit happened few hours after the permanent neutralization of “General” Pacifique Ntawunguka, the FDLR top commander known as “Omega”, despite the attempts by the FARDC military coalition to save his life.”
Ntawunguka, also known by aliases Mulefu, Nzeri, and Israël, was born in 1964 in Gasebeya Sector, Gaseke Commune, in the former Gisenyi Prefecture, now part of Ngororero District in Rwanda’s Western Province.
He attended primary school in Gaseke and secondary school at Rwankeli before enrolling at Collège Christ Roi in Nyanza. Later, he pursued military training at ESM (École Supérieure Militaire) in Kigali. After ESM, he furthered his education in aviation in Egypt, Greece, and France.
When the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi began, Omega was leading the 94th Battalion operating in Mutara. He was defeated by the Rwandan Patriotic Army (RPA) and sustained a leg injury during the fighting before retreating to Kigali.
Following the defeat of the former Rwandan Armed Forces (FAR), Omega fled to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) along with other ex-FAR members.
Over the years, efforts were made to persuade Ntawunguka to return to Rwanda, but he consistently refused. In 2016, this was highlighted by Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe, who recounted his personal efforts to convince Omega to return.
Gen. Kabarebe stated: “I personally called him and said, ‘Pacifique, you’re educated, a pilot trained in France. You’re not ignorant. You’ve been in the Congo forests for over 20 years.
Don’t you see what you’re doing is futile? You’ll never win this war. Why not reconsider your actions? And we know you didn’t participate in the genocide because you were in France at the time for aviation training. What are you fighting for? Are you afraid of facing justice?’
“He listened to me and replied, ‘General, let me tell you one thing. I will return to Rwanda only when there isn’t a single Tutsi left in that country. If there’s nothing else you wanted to tell me, let’s end this conversation here.’ From that moment, I never spoke to Ntawunguka again.”
The move comes as the security situation in the region continues to deteriorate due to the advancing M23 rebels and confrontations with the Congolese army and allied militias.
In a statement, the UN confirmed that the relocation affects administrative personnel and those whose tasks can be performed remotely. However, the organization emphasized that this decision will not impact its ongoing humanitarian efforts in North Kivu, particularly in providing food, medical aid, and shelter to vulnerable populations.
The relocation will be reassessed as the security situation continues to evolve.
There have been mounting fears as M23 seized the strategic town of Sake, which had previously served as the last stronghold for government forces ahead of Goma. The group’s territorial gains have raised alarms that Goma, a city home to around two million people, could soon fall under M23 control.
Goma had already been briefly occupied by the rebels in 2012, and now, anxiety is spreading among the displaced populations in the area.
Due to the ongoing instability multiple foreign embassies have issued advisories urging their citizens to evacuate from North Kivu.
M23, which is fighting for the interests of the Tutsi community in eastern Congo, has announced its intention to “liberate” the people of the region, accusing the government of long-standing persecution.
The rebel group has been vocal about its grievances with the Congolese government, accusing it of failing to uphold agreements related to the rights and safety of Rwandophones in eastern DRC.
The ongoing clashes have claimed the lives of at least 13 peacekeepers and foreign soldiers and left several others wounded in the past few days. Those killed were part of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the country.
The military governor of North Kivu Province, Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, is also among the recent casualties. M23 announced that Cirimwami was killed on Thursday after travelling to locations near Sake, where the rebels engaged in battle with the government army coalition.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirmed in a statement on Saturday, January 25, 2025, that it lost nine soldiers in two days of intense fighting with the M23 as the group sought to capture Goma.
Seven of the fallen soldiers were part of the South African contingent deployed in eastern DRC in December 2023 as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the country, while two members were from the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).
Additionally, four other soldiers died while fighting to prevent the M23 from capturing the city of Goma—three from Malawi and one from Uruguay, according to international media reports.
The United Nations force entered Congo more than two decades ago and has around 14,000 peacekeepers on the ground. The mission has often faced criticism for its perceived inability to effectively address the security situation in the troubled region.
M23 has made significant territorial gains in recent weeks, encircling the eastern city of Goma, which has about 2 million people. The group announced on Thursday that its mission is to liberate the Congolese people, particularly Rwandophones, whom the group alleges have faced long-standing persecution.
M23 had also warned of a potential confrontation with peacekeeping forces from the United Nations in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) and SADC troops after seizing Sake town, accusing them of collaborating with the Congolese army coalition.
The Congolese government coalition comprises FDLR, a militia linked to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, troops from the Southern African Development Community, Burundian soldiers, European mercenaries and a host of local Congolese militia groups.
M23’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, stated that while the group has assured it harbours no hostile intentions toward the peacekeeping forces, they are prepared to defend themselves against attacks.
Earlier M23 had claimed responsibility for the killing of Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, the military governor of North Kivu Province. Cirimwami had on Thursday reportedly travelled to locations near Sake where the rebels engaged in battle with the government army coalition.
Since M23 took control of several other areas like Minova and Masisi, the DRC government and international organizations have expressed concern that the group might advance and capture Goma. The group accuses the Congolese government of failing to honour past commitments regarding the interests of the Tutsi community in eastern Congo, which has faced marginalization and persecution for years.
The United Nations announced on Saturday that it had temporarily decided to relocate non-essential staff from Goma due to the deteriorating security situation amid calls for citizens to leave the area.
Meanwhile, various leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have called for a ceasefire and urged that peace talks resume as soon as possible to restore normalcy to the region.
President Lourenço addressed the recent fighting in North Kivu on January 24, 2025, particularly around the city of Sake, and in South Kivu Province.
He urged all parties involved in the conflict to respect human rights, protect civilians, and ensure the safety of personnel from the joint verification mechanism monitoring the ceasefire.
In December 2024, Rwanda and the DRC halted the Luanda dialogue after failing to reach an agreement on the M23 rebel group’s demand for direct talks with the DRC government to achieve lasting peace.
Rwanda had called for direct negotiations between the DRC government and M23, but the DRC rejected this, maintaining that its preferred approach was to continue military action against the group, which controls large parts of North Kivu Province.
President Lourenço reiterated that a military solution cannot resolve the insecurity in Eastern DRC and called for a resumption of the Luanda peace talks.
Since January 23, 2025, M23 rebels have controlled the city of Sake, located just over 20 kilometers from Goma. Meanwhile, the DRC government has continued to reject any negotiations with the group.
On January 23, 2025, M23 announced plans to take control of Goma, claiming its mission is to liberate the Congolese people, particularly Rwandophones, whom the group alleges have faced long-standing persecution.
This is not the first time M23 has targeted Goma. In 2012, the group briefly controlled the city before relinquishing it after peace talks in Kampala, Uganda. Today, Goma’s over two million residents live in fear, uncertain if history is about to repeat itself.
Tensions soared following the reported death of North Kivu Governor Maj Gen Peter Cirimwami, who succumbed to gunshot wounds allegedly inflicted by M23.
The DRC government has confirmed his death. A neighbor of the late governor told IGIHE that rumors of his demise had circulated before the official announcement, noting he hadn’t seen the governor for a week despite previously seeing him daily.
Fear has gripped Goma, and many residents anticipate an escalation in the conflict. Since M23’s announcement, border crossings between Rwanda and Goma have significantly decreased. At both Petite Barrière and Grande Barrière, fewer people are making the journey.
Yakubu Babu, a trader from Rubavu’s Majengo neighborhood who crosses into Goma daily to sell clothes, described the situation: “You know how it is during wartime. People are scared. Some have stopped working altogether, while others cross cautiously. The traffic to Goma has definitely decreased.”
Another trader, Fabrice Nkundababyeyi, who uses a wheelchair to transport goods, shared similar concerns. He noted that Rwandans entering Goma risk harassment by FARDC soldiers and local porters.
Despite the uncertainty, some services in Goma, such as banking and air travel, remain operational. However, schools and other institutions have been disrupted.
A power blackout on January 24, caused by fighting between M23 and FARDC, has further unsettled residents. The clash damaged the Kibumba-Goma electricity line, plunging the city into darkness.
Kanku Jojo, a young man from Goma traveling through Rwanda en route to Uganda for studies, spoke about the situation back home: “These days, things are very tense. People are scared and unsure of what to do. Those who can afford to leave have already started fleeing.”
Another Goma resident, Baba, added, “Goma feels like a war zone. The conflict is terrifying.”
Intense fighting continues in Sake, about 20 kilometers from Goma, as the city braces for what may come. While M23’s timeline for capturing Goma remains uncertain, the residents live in constant fear, unsure of what the future holds.
On January 24, 2025, MONUSCO stated that its Quick Reaction Forces were working alongside Congolese forces to repel M23 rebels from Sake under the operation dubbed “Springbok 3.”
The mission revealed that its troops had targeted M23 positions in Sake over the past 48 hours and repositioned their equipment around Goma to protect the city from being overrun.
During these confrontations, four peacekeepers were injured on January 23, and an additional five were wounded on January 24.
M23 had issued warnings to MONUSCO troops on January 22, 23, and 24, stating they had the right to defend themselves if attacked. The rebel group accused MONUSCO and the Congolese military of collaborating with a coalition it referred to as “genocidal forces.”
This coalition, according to M23, includes the Congolese army (FARDC), the FDLR terrorist group formed by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda, Wazalendo militias, and European mercenaries.
M23 also claimed that Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops, operating under SAMIDRC, were participating in joint attacks against M23 positions, particularly following the rebels’ entry into Sake on January 23.
