Kagame backed Rebels Seize Goma, Escalating Tensions With Kinshasa 

Rwandan-backed rebel forces have seized control of Goma, the largest city in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s mineral-rich east, escalating tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali.

The fall of the city marks a significant advance for the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) rebel coalition, which includes the M23 armed group, sanctioned by both the United States and the United Nations.

The capture of Goma is the latest in a series of territorial gains by the rebels, who have expanded their control over vast areas of eastern Congo, home to deposits of rare minerals essential for the global tech industry.

The Congolese government has yet to confirm the city’s fall but acknowledged the presence of rebel fighters, according to reports from news agencies.

Kinshasa has responded by severing diplomatic ties with Rwanda, accusing it of providing arms and troops to the insurgents.

The government recalled its diplomatic staff from Kigali on Sunday, while anti-Rwanda protests erupted in the Congolese capital.

Demonstrators set fires outside several Western and African embassies, including that of Rwanda. The French embassy was attacked and firebombed.

The US Embassy in Kinshasa advised its citizens to leave the city on Tuesday, citing rising violence.

“Due to an increase in violence throughout the city of Kinshasa, the U.S. Embassy advises US citizens to shelter in place and then safely depart while commercial options are available,” it said in a statement.

By Monday, hundreds of Congolese soldiers had surrendered their weapons following a 48-hour ultimatum from M23.

Footage aired by Rwanda’s national broadcaster showed Congolese troops laying down their arms at a Rwandan border post after fleeing Goma.

ligadwah@businessdayafrica.org