Sat Feb 01 17:02:54 UTC 2025: ## Regional War Fears Rise as M23 Captures Goma, Eastern DRC

**Goma, DR Congo – February 2, 2025** – The fall of Goma, the largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to the M23 rebel group has sparked fears of a wider regional conflict, with Burundi’s President warning of a potential spread of fighting to neighboring countries. The M23, backed by Rwanda according to UN reports, has vowed to march on Kinshasa, the DRC capital, following its rapid capture of Goma earlier this week.

The offensive has prompted international condemnation and warnings of a humanitarian crisis. Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye stated that the conflict threatens not only Burundi but also Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. Adding to the complexity, Burundi has approximately 10,000 troops deployed in eastern DRC under a previous military agreement with Kinshasa, many of whom have been redeployed to Bukavu. Uganda has announced it will adopt a forward defensive posture.

The UN estimates at least 700 people have been killed and 2,800 wounded in the fighting since M23 forces entered Goma on Sunday. The poorly equipped Congolese army has resorted to recruiting volunteers to counter the M23’s advance into South Kivu province. The African Union’s public health agency has declared a public health emergency, citing the risk of new outbreaks of diseases like mpox, a deadly variant of which first emerged in South Kivu in 2023.

Despite a temporary lull in fighting in Goma, shortages of cash and fuel persist, and the M23 has begun establishing parallel administration. While markets have reopened, the UN estimates that an additional 500,000 people have been displaced by the fighting, adding to the hundreds of thousands already internally displaced in the region. The UN also warns of widespread rape and summary executions.

Southern African leaders have pledged support to the DRC following an emergency summit, and multiple diplomatic efforts are underway to de-escalate the crisis. However, the situation remains volatile, with the potential for a regional war escalating rapidly. Accusations of Rwandan involvement in supporting the M23 and exploiting the region’s rare minerals persist, though Rwanda denies these allegations.

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