M23 Rebels Offensive in DR Congo (2025)
Following a lightning onslaught, the rebel forces of M23 movement allegedly backed by Rwanda took control of nearly the whole city of Goma, a vital hub for the trade of minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in late January 2025.

US Advises Citizens to Depart DR Congo, Closes Its Embassy in Kinshasa

© Getty Images / Chris Milosi/AnadoluM23 rebels gather for large-scale protests as they set on fire the Rwandan, French, Belgian and Kenyan embassy buildings and loot some shopping centers during anti-Rwandan demonstrations allegedly supported by the rebel group March 23 Movement (M23) and rebels in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo on January 28, 2025.
M23 rebels gather for large-scale protests as they set on fire the Rwandan, French, Belgian and Kenyan embassy buildings and loot some shopping centers during anti-Rwandan demonstrations allegedly supported by the rebel group March 23 Movement (M23) and rebels in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo on January 28, 2025.  - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 29.01.2025
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Over the past three weeks, rebels from the M23 group have launched a new offensive on Goma in eastern DRC. Home to 2 million residents, the city is now without electricity, water supply, or mobile communications, and routes for delivering food and essential goods are blocked.
On Tuesday, the US embassy in Kinshasa advised its citizens to leave the Democratic Republic of Congo following attacks on several diplomatic missions by protesters upset over the conflict in Goma.

"Due to an increase in violence throughout the city of Kinshasa, the US Embassy in Kinshasa advises US citizens to shelter-in-place and then safely depart while commercial options are available," a statement said. "The US Embassy in Kinshasa is closed to the public until further notice."

The statement warned that there might be roadblocks and demonstrations on the way to the airport, which could affect travel time and safety.
M23 rebels gather for large-scale protests as they set on fire the Rwandan, French, Belgian and Kenyan embassy buildings and loot some shopping centers during anti-Rwandan demonstrations allegedly supported by the rebel group March 23 Movement (M23) and rebels in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo on January 28, 2025. - Sputnik Africa, 1920, 29.01.2025
M23 Rebels Offensive in DR Congo (2025)
DRC Takes Measures to Ensure Security of Embassies in Kinshasa, Foreign Ministry States
Moreover, all auxiliary UN staff have left the city of Goma due to the fighting between the Congolese army and rebels, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres.
Dujarric added that the main staff and peacekeepers were forced to take shelter inside the UN bases.
On Tuesday, Guterres held phone conversations with the President of the DRC, Felix Tshisekedi, and the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame. In his conversation with the latter, Guterres emphasized the need to protect the civilian population in the conflict zone, according to Dujarric.
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