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.

DRC, Burundi Jointly Slow Down Southern Advance of M23 Rebels, Media Reports

10:55, 1 February 2025

Ekaterina Shilova

Writer / Editor

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The conflict between the DRC government and rebel forces has intensified in recent weeks. According to local media, M23 rebels have taken control of several towns, including Goma, a city with a population of two million. The escalated conflict has led to the deaths of over a hundred soldiers.

Sputnik

Congolese and Burundian troops are halting the M23 rebel advance in eastern Congo, following their earlier seizure of Goma, South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki told media. Despite advancing towards Bukavu, the rebels have since been held back. A force of 1,500, including Congolese, Burundian soldiers, and local militia, defends Nyabibwe north of Bukavu.

M23 Rebels Offensive in DR Congo (2025)

South Africa & Rwanda Meet to Resolve Differences Amid Conflict in DRC

31 January, 14:19

Burundian troop reinforcements in South Kivu at the request of Kinshasa are estimated at between several thousand and 10,000 by various sources quoted by the media, including Rwanda, the UN, and one Burundian official.