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.

Escalating Conflict in Eastern DRC Could Trigger Regional War, Burundi's President States

15:26, 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.

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Burundi's President Evariste Ndayishimiye cautioned that the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo conflict could ignite a regional war.

"If Eastern Congo does not have peace, the region has no peace," Evariste Ndayishimiye said, noting that "if it continues like this, war risks becoming widespread in the region."

Expressing concern about Rwanda's actions, the president warned:

"If Rwanda continues to make conquests [...] I know that war will even arrive in Burundi."

Rwandan President Paul Kagame denied any Rwandan involvement in the events in eastern Congo earlier, stating, “Rwanda did not in any way create what is happening [...] I am giving you facts: go and investigate and prove me wrong.”

M23 Rebels Offensive in DR Congo (2025)

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

1 February, 10:55

As the M23 pushed south towards Kavumu, a strategic city with a military airfield 40 kilometers north of Bukavu, Burundi deployed troops in eastern DR Congo as part of the EAC force, which, except for the Burundian contingent, was later accused of collusion against Kinshasa.