M23 rebels have seized control of Goma, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo with a population of 2 million people. The group, backed by Rwanda, aims to demonstrate its ability to restore order and govern.
Power and mobile data services, which had been down for days, were restored on Thursday, and the border with Rwanda was reopened. M23 officials have trained hundreds of administrators who are ready to deploy. However, the success of their efforts will be crucial in determining whether they can expand their control elsewhere in eastern Congo or if their reign is short-lived.
A U.N. official said that some members of the RCD-Goma movement, a Rwanda-backed group from the 1998-2003 war, were involved in M23’s recent actions. The group has established “parallel administrations” in areas they conquered, taxing civilians and businesses, and rolling out intelligence networks. However, governing Goma is a far greater challenge due to its size, international airport, and role as a hub for one of the world’s biggest humanitarian crises.
Experts believe that if M23 can successfully govern Goma, it could end up enduring. A senior U.N. official stated that “if they can trade, security improves, their daily lives improve, then M23 could be popular.” Rwanda’s support for M23 has fueled frustrations over President Felix Tshisekedi’s rule, and some may rally to the group.
Diplomatic pressure is mounting on Rwanda to cut its support for M23 or face sanctions. However, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has rejected criticism, and M23 officials are willing to work with those who switch sides. The success of M23 in governing Goma will be closely watched, as it could determine the fate of their rebellion.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/having-seized-goma-congos-m23-rebels-want-show-they-can-govern-2025-01-30