Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC) rebel coalition, has vowed to maintain control of Goma and continue their march towards the capital, Kinshasa, after capturing the strategic eastern city on January 30.
Speaking at a press conference, Nangaa defended his forces' actions, claiming they were working to establish secure humanitarian corridors to allow displaced people to return to their homes. He said key roads, such as those leading to Rutshuru and Sake, were now secure, facilitating the supply of essential goods to the city.
Despite his assurances, the situation in Goma remains tense. Streets are largely deserted, with military debris and abandoned uniforms scattered across the city. M23 rebels, heavily armed and patrolling in pickup trucks, maintain a strong presence. Nangaa, who also criticized President Felix Tshisekedi’s government, accused it of recklessly militarizing the region and arming untrained civilians.
The rebel advance has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation, forcing thousands to flee to neighboring Rwanda. As the M23 moves south toward Bukavu, international pressure is mounting on Rwanda over its alleged support for the rebels. In Kinshasa, protests against Rwanda’s involvement have led to attacks on foreign embassies, further stoking tensions in the region.
The situation remains fluid as rebel forces assert control over more territory, while political and military dynamics continue to shift.
Read next
05:28
Tragedy struck near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport as a regional jet collided with a U.S. Army helicopter, claiming 67 lives. The harrowing incident echoes the infamous 1982 Air Florida crash, reigniting fears over aviation safety.
02:17
President Trump's pick for FBI Director, Kash Patel, faced tough questions during his confirmation hearing, particularly over his views on the 2020 election.
01:12
Newly released air traffic control (ATC) audio recordings provide an eerie and detailed account of the tragic midair collision between an American Airlines regional jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River on January 29, 2025.
00:30
Red Cross buses carrying 110 Palestinian prisoners arrived in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Thursday (January 30) as part of a phased agreement that ended over 15 months of conflict.
23:15
An 80-year-old Israeli hostage, Gadi Moses, has arrived at Tel Aviv’s Sorasky Medical Centre following his release from Hamas captivity
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment