Goma residents adapt after a year under M23 rule

Goma fell to the M23 armed group in January 2025 and residents report a year of changed local control, disrupted services and restricted movement.

Goma, a city in eastern DR Congo, came under the control of the M23 armed group in late January 2025 after government forces withdrew. Reports say external fighters crossed from Rwanda to support the M23 during the offensive. Over the following year, local institutions and services have been disrupted and many residents were displaced. The government has described life under the group's rule as marked by ongoing pressure on civilians. Key points: - Officials reported that the Congolese army and allied forces pulled out of Goma in January 2025 and that the M23 subsequently seized control of the city. - Reports indicate that Rwandan soldiers fought alongside the M23 during the capture and that heavy fighting around the time of the offensive caused many casualties and displacement. - Local institutions have been affected: police and courts stopped functioning as before, banks were closed, the airport became inaccessible, and the M23 has appointed its own magistrates and enrolled some locals into policing roles. - Observers and NGOs reported detentions, forced recruitment and new taxation, and residents describe reduced economic activity with Rwandan currency circulating in markets. Summary: Public services and many civilian livelihoods in Goma have been materially disrupted since the M23 took control, and people report adapting to a different local administration. Undetermined at this time.