Rwanda-backed rebel fighters claim capture of key city in eastern DRC

Fighters from the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group claim to have taken the eastern city of Goma after a lightning advance in recent weeks that has forced thousands from their homes and risked reigniting a broader regional war.

- Carlos Mureithi Nairobi Patrick Wintour

"We urge all residents of Goma to remain calm. The liberation of the city has been successfully carried out and the situation is under control," the M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said on X.

It was not clear yesterday morning how much of Goma, the capital of North Kivu state, was controlled by the rebels, but witnesses said rebel fighters could be seen in the centre.

Residents said gunfire could be heard near the airport, the city centre and near the border with Rwanda. Reaction to the arrival of the M23 rebels was mixed. Some residents stayed indoors while others came out to cheer.

Videos posted on social media showed people in some areas of Goma lining the streets to applaud and fist-bump heavily armed fighters in green fatigues and matching rubber boots. "Welcome, welcome our friends," some people chanted.