Introduction

The eastern city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo is facing an unprecedented threat as rebels linked to Rwanda have encircled it, marking a critical escalation in a long-standing conflict that has plagued the region for years.

Capture of Saké

On Thursday morning, the M23 rebel group, believed to be backed by Rwanda, captured the strategic town of Saké, forcing Congolese government forces to retreat rapidly. This was the last significant military position protecting Goma, a bustling provincial capital with a population exceeding 2 million.

Historical Context

The potential fall of Goma would be alarming, reminiscent of 2012 when M23 briefly seized the city before withdrawing under immense international pressure for Rwanda to cease its support. Both the United States and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of financially and logistically backing the M23, though the Rwandan government strongly denies these allegations.

Humanitarian Crisis

Goma serves as a vital hub for various humanitarian agencies, U.N. operations, and foreign diplomatic missions, providing refuge to over a million displaced civilians escaping the ongoing violence perpetrated by M23 militants and other regional armed groups.

Current Situation

In what has become a major offensive this year, the M23 rebels now control significant areas north and west of Goma, while to the east, the city borders Rwanda, with the southern edge marked by the picturesque but dangerous shoreline of Lake Kivu.

Impact on Civilians

Civilians fleeing the violence in Saké have overwhelmed hospitals in Goma. On Thursday, victims arrived at a facility managed by the International Committee of the Red Cross, with reports of doubled admissions compared to last year's averages. Abdourahmane Sidibé, a chief surgeon at the hospital, mentioned the growing number of wounded civilians receiving care.

“Bombing has become so severe,” lamented Hawa Amisi, a 52-year-old woman who fled with her children, carrying only a mattress and a bottle of water. Tragically separated from her husband during the chaos, she recounted witnessing dead bodies lining the streets as she fled the violence. “So many lives were lost,” she sorrowfully stated.

Warnings from the UN

Bruno Lemarquis, the United Nations’ leading humanitarian official in Congo, warned that 2025 could be an increasingly challenging year, with humanitarian needs escalating while funding appears to dwindle.

Collapse of Peace Negotiations

Compounding the crisis, peace negotiations collapsed last December, and international attention is waning. Traditional humanitarian assistance from the U.S., historically the largest donor to Congo, is also forecasted to decrease significantly, heightening concerns that one of the globe’s most severe crises may slip further into obscurity.

“Even prior to the new administration taking over in the U.S., we were informed that humanitarian support would be reduced by a third,” Mr. Lemarquis noted.

Conclusion

As Goma stands on the precipice of disaster, the international community faces an urgent call to action. Will there still be time to save the city from the impending doom of war? Only time will tell as locals live in fear and uncertainty.