M23 rebels hand over 288 mercenaries to Rwanda as they take full control of Goma
Rwanda confirmed that the mercenaries’ home countries had requested assistance in their repatriation and urged those nations to hold them accountable.
M23 rebels have handed over 288 mercenaries, previously employed by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government, to Rwandan authorities.
This follows the reopening of the DRC-Rwanda border, now under M23’s control, including customs and migration operations.
More To Read
- Tshisekedi declares war on M23 Rebels, accuses Rwanda of military involvement
- EAC summit urges DR Congo government to engage with M23 rebels directly
- DR Congo's M23 rebels take control of Goma airport, embassies attacked in capital
- Four more South African soldiers killed in DRC clashes as SA death toll reaches 13
Rwanda confirmed that the mercenaries’ home countries had requested assistance in their repatriation and urged those nations to hold them accountable.
On January 26, the M23 rebels said the airspace over Goma was closed and asked foreign forces, including Burundians, SADC troops and European mercenaries, on the Congolese territory to leave.
Rwanda has been accused of supporting Congolese-Rwandese fighters, with several UN experts’ reports and Kinshasa officials pointing the blame at Kigali. However, Rwandan authorities have consistently denied these claims.
Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, expressed grave concern over the worsening security and humanitarian situation in eastern DRC.
In a statement, he said, “He notes with deep concern the threats that such developments pose to the tireless and significant efforts undertaken within the framework of the two African mechanisms, notably the Luanda Process led by President Joao Manuel Lourenço, President of the Republic of Angola. He expresses his unreserved support for such efforts, which are the only way to resolve the persistent tension between the DRC and Rwanda, on the one hand, and between the DRC and its political-military opposition, on the other.”
Mahamat also called on both regional and international communities to intensify efforts to halt the fighting in eastern DRC, urging them to provide all necessary support for the affected populations.
Ceasefire agreement
The AU further called for strict adherence to the ceasefire agreement and an immediate end to all hostilities, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilian lives.
MONUSCO members ride on a pickup truck on January 25, 2025, as they secure the evacuation of non-essential UN staff following the fight between M23 rebels and DRC armed forces in Goma, North Kivu. (Photo: REUTERS/Arlette Bashizi)
Meanwhile, M23 has solidified its control over Goma, securing key locations such as the airport, the border with Rwanda, the maritime port, and national radio and television offices. Fighting in the city has ceased.
Rwanda has also facilitated the evacuation of 45 truck drivers from Tanzania, Burundi, and Kenya who had been stranded in Goma due to the conflict.
The drivers, working for the World Food Programme, had earlier raised concerns on social media about their safety. M23 forces escorted them to the Rwandan border, where they were able to leave the conflict zone.
South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops remain confined at Goma airport and Sake, with the South African government reportedly engaging in backchannel negotiations for their safe passage and support.
Meanwhile, regional leaders are set to discuss the crisis in separate meetings. The East African Community (EAC) has scheduled a virtual meeting, though DRC President Félix Tshisekedi has indicated that he will not attend.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is also expected to convene to assess the situation.
During a UN Security Council session, Rwanda called on SADC forces to disengage from the coalition led by the DRC’s armed forces (FARDC).
Kigali accused President Tshisekedi of forming an alliance with mercenaries, the FDLR militia, the Wazalendo militia, and Burundian troops with the intent of destabilising Rwanda. Rwanda warned that it would take all necessary measures to protect itself, treating Tshisekedi’s alleged threats as a serious provocation.
The DRC has reiterated its demand for international sanctions against Rwanda, criticising the UN’s perceived inaction. Addressing the Security Council, DRC’s Minister of Foreign Affairs warned that if the international community failed to act, public frustration could escalate into direct action.
The UN peacekeeping mission MONUSCO has raised concerns over the lynching of a Congolese Tutsi inside a MONUSCO-controlled camp for internally displaced persons.
The attack, reportedly carried out due to the victim’s ethnic background, has highlighted the deepening ethnic tensions in the region.
MONUSCO has warned that such incidents could further inflame violence and destabilise the broader region.
President Tshisekedi has appointed Major General Somo Kakule Evariste as North Kivu’s new military governor, replacing Major General Peter Cirimwami.
He also cancelled a scheduled national address amid reports of growing dissatisfaction over his handling of the crisis. Tshisekedi has reportedly formed a small crisis management team led by his brother, Jacques Tshibanda Tshisekedi.
Reports indicate that a minor cabinet reshuffle may be imminent, with speculation that the ministers of Defence, Interior, and Justice could be removed from their positions in response to the escalating crisis.
Top Stories Today
