This Monday, January 27, has been overwhelming for many Congolese as the war rages on multiple fronts, including in the media, where misinformation and the dissemination of information without proper context have been widespread.
As of Monday, it is confirmed that Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) and their proxy M23 have taken control of parts of Goma, but they do not control the entire city. This is why M23 has yet to officially claim victory.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), supported by the Wazalendo self-defense groups, regained control of the Congolese National Radio and Television station (RTNC) in Goma from M23 rebels. This strategic victory is significant both militarily and for information dissemination.
Intense fighting continues in areas around the RTNC and near the airport, with reports of heavy gunfire. Amid the chaos, there have been instances of civilians looting properties near the airport and other parts of Goma.
Civilian casualties remain minimal so far. However, communication is limited, with many using Rwandan numbers to access the internet. Aid workers report that while M23 controls some areas, the Congolese army and Wazalendos continue to fight back in others.
Tensions are also escalating at the shared border, where Congolese and Rwandan soldiers have been firing at each other in the eastern part of Goma, adding another layer of complexity and danger to the conflict.
Videos are circulating on social media showing Congolese cheering the RDF/M23 coalition, a sentiment that may reflect deep frustration with the government’s failure to protect its people. Meanwhile, videos showing Congolese supporting their own army have not circulated as widely, contributing to a skewed narrative online.
Protests have erupted across the country in response to the escalation in Goma, including in towns like Beni and Bukavu, and the capital city, Kinshasa. At the University of Kinshasa, students staged a protest on campus, voicing their anger and demanding accountability from the government.
Some Congolese soldiers have crossed into Rwanda, surrendering in Gisenyi, while others have laid down arms at the UN base with Uruguayan peacekeepers, as demanded in M23’s 48-hour ultimatum announced on Friday, January 24, 2025.
The battle for Goma is far from over, at a time of such uncertainty, remaining informed is imperative.
Kambale Musavuli, a native of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is a leading political and cultural Congolese voice. Based in Accra, Ghana, he is a policy analyst with the Center for Research on the Congo-Kinshasa.
