The M23 rebel group made a significant advance on January 26, 2025, capturing Goma International Airport and triggering panic in the city of Goma, located in Eastern DR Congo. The seizure marks a major escalation in the conflict between the rebels and Congolese forces, raising concerns about the stability of the region.

As the M23 fighters took control of the airport, the airspace over Goma was immediately declared closed, leaving no option for aerial evacuation. Foreign nationals and United Nations workers, fearing further violence, scrambled to leave the city. Long convoys of vehicles were seen heading toward the Rwandan border, with many crossing into the neighboring town of Gisenyi.

The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) has confirmed the evacuation of its non-essential staff. “The security situation in Goma has drastically deteriorated, and we are prioritizing the safety of our personnel,” a MONUSCO spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, the Congolese army, which has been battling M23 for years, has suffered a major blow. Despite weeks of resistance, its defenses crumbled under the rebel offensive. Goma, a strategic city located near the Rwandan border and home to over a million people, has long been a target for M23 due to its political and economic importance.

The takeover of Goma raises fears of a humanitarian crisis, as thousands of residents are also fleeing, leaving behind homes and livelihoods. Aid organizations are warning of a growing need for food, shelter, and medical supplies for those displaced.

The international community has condemned the escalation and called for dialogue. However, with M23’s grip on Goma tightening, the prospect of a peaceful resolution seems increasingly distant.