DRC President Snubs Peace Talks as M23 Rebels Seize Goma

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Above: Members of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo who surrendered their weapons and crossed into Rwanda as refugees were seen sitting together in a holding facility in Gisenyi on Jan. 28, 2025. Image copyright: Tony Karumba/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images

The Facts

  • President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has chosen not to take part in peace talks on Wednesday aimed at addressing the M23 rebel assault on Goma, which were brokered by regional leaders. Meanwhile, Rwanda has agreed to participate in the virtual summit organized by Kenya's President, William Ruto.

  • M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have taken control of Goma's international airport and much of the city, leading to widespread displacement with over 178K people fleeing the area and more than 34K seeking refuge in overcrowded sites around Goma.

  • The fighting has resulted in more than 100 deaths and nearly 1K wounded, with hospitals overwhelmed by casualties and bodies left on streets, while essential services including electricity, water, and the internet have been cut off.

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The Spin

Narrative A

The DRC government faces an existential threat from Rwanda-backed M23 rebels who are attempting to seize control of mineral-rich eastern Congo, with extensive UN evidence showing Rwanda's direct military support and de facto control over M23 operations. This constitutes a clear violation of the DRC's sovereignty.

Al JazeeraRFI

Narrative B

Rwanda's military involvement aims to protect its borders and Tutsi populations from armed groups in eastern DRC, particularly the forces created by former perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide while supporting legitimate grievances of the region's minority Tutsi population through M23.

France 24

Metaculus Prediction