Leaders hold non-stop talks to end raging DRC clashes

Dar es Salaam. The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has intensified, sparking widespread human rights violations, including civilian deaths and a growing refugee crisis, as the M23 rebel group continues its assault on the city of Goma and surrounding areas.

The clash between the DRC government forces and the M23 rebels, who claim control of Goma’s international airport and the city itself, has prompted urgent intervention from regional and international bodies.

On January 28, 2025, leaders from the United Nations (UN), African Union (AU), and Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened emergency meetings to address the worsening situation.

Information obtained by The Citizen shows that the DRC government, led by President Félix Tshisekedi, sent a letter to the African Union’s Peace and Security Council (PSC) urging for an emergency meeting on January 28 to discuss the escalating situation.

The PSC heard from representatives of Angola, Tanzania and Kenya, as well as from the United Nations and the DRC’s special representative.

In response, the PSC condemned the violation of the ceasefire agreement, called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, and demanded that M23 withdraw from occupied areas.

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The Council further urged the establishment of a monitoring mechanism to ensure the ceasefire holds and recommended high-level mediation between the leaders of DRC and Rwanda.

Human rights organisations have condemned the M23 rebels for widespread killings, rapes, and displacement of civilians.

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), over 400,000 people have fled the fighting since the start of 2025.

Hospitals in Goma have become overwhelmed with casualties, including children, while the World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended food aid distribution in the region.

The ongoing violence has exacerbated fears of a public health crisis, with the Red Cross warning of the potential spread of diseases like Ebola if vital medical facilities are damaged in the fighting.

Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, described the situation as increasingly dire, with numerous bodies found in the streets, including that of famed boxer Balezi Bagunda.

In the DRC capital, Kinshasa, protests erupted as demonstrators stormed several embassies, including those of Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, France, the United States, and Belgium. The protesters condemned the foreign involvement in the conflict and demanded stronger actions to halt the M23 offensive.

At least 25 people have died in the clashes, with 367 more injured, according to local authorities.

The unrest also resulted in fatalities among peacekeepers from South Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed the deaths and pledged support for continued peace efforts.

Rwanda factor

Rwanda has faced accusations of supporting the M23 rebels, though the Rwandan government has consistently denied the claims. On December 17, 2024, the DRC sent a letter to the United Nations Security Council, accusing Rwanda of obstructing negotiations by pushing for direct talks with the M23, a claim Rwanda rejected in a December 19 response.

Meanwhile, the African Union has continued its mediation efforts, with Angola’s President João Lourenço serving as the appointed mediator for the crisis since May 2022.

While a ceasefire was agreed upon in July 2024, negotiations stalled by December 2024, and the planned direct meeting between Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame was postponed.

Importance of Goma and regional stability

Goma, the largest city in North Kivu, has long been a critical economic and humanitarian hub.

The city, home to over two million people, is strategically located near Rwanda and Uganda, making it a vital trade and transport route.

Its proximity to Lake Kivu has also made it a key site for humanitarian aid operations.

However, with the M23’s continued territorial gains, including control of key mining towns, the region’s stability remains in jeopardy.

A UN report in December 2024 revealed that 150 tonnes of coltan, a key mineral used in mobile phones, had been smuggled from DRC and mixed with Rwandan minerals, fuelling further tensions between the two nations.