Calm Returns to Goma After Week of Intense Fighting

The eastern city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) showed signs of stability on Thursday after a week of intense fighting between government forces and rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda. While tensions remain, the city has seen a reduction in gunfire, and no major clashes have been reported. The M23 rebels, however, continue to hold some villages near South Kivu, where sporadic skirmishes persist, according to Actualite.cd.

People in Goma have begun to return to their homes in the northern districts, and traffic is slowly resuming. The city’s water supply has been partially restored, but power outages continue.

Local residents expressed relief that the fighting has subsided, though economic activity in the city remains sluggish. A Goma resident told M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma that, while businesses are still slow, people are relieved that the battles between the rebels and government forces have stopped, according to The New Times.

The United Nations has also stated that while the situation remains tense, it has calmed in comparison to the height of the conflict. However, residents are worried about health risks due to the presence of multiple bodies in Goma’s districts.

It remains uncertain who holds control of the city and government institutions, and the conflict continues to be a point of regional contention. Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi addressed the nation, promising a “rigorous and coordinated” response to the rebels and their alleged sponsors, asserting that the Congolese army is fully mobilized to protect the country’s territory.

The situation in eastern Congo remains volatile, with accusations between regional leaders—Congo, Rwanda, and South Africa—blaming each other for fueling the conflict. The UN Group of Experts has accused Uganda and Rwanda of providing shelter and logistical support to the M23 rebels, though Uganda denies the allegations. Additionally, there are claims that the DRC has offered refuge to Ugandan rebel groups, including the ISIS-linked Allied Democratic Forces.

M23 launched a major offensive last week, seizing significant parts of Goma, a city home to around 3 million people. Kinshasa accused Kigali of sending troops to assist the rebels, although Rwanda denies this claim. Amid calls for an immediate ceasefire, both sides have sustained heavy losses, with reports suggesting that nearly 100 people died during the week of fighting, although the exact toll has yet to be confirmed.

Thousands have fled the violence, seeking refuge in Rwanda, including international aid workers. Rwanda has reported that nine of its citizens died in cross-border fire originating from Goma.