Goma, a strategic city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has once again become the epicenter of escalating conflict between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group, which is widely believed to be backed by Rwanda. In a swift and coordinated offensive earlier this year, M23 forces seized control of the mineral-rich city after intense fighting, prompting the Congolese army to retreat. The rebel group has since expanded its territorial hold across eastern DRC, intensifying a long-standing insurgency that has destabilized the region for years.
In a controversial diplomatic move, Kenya appointed a consul to Goma without prior consultation with Kinshasa, a decision that drew sharp condemnation from the Congolese government. Officials in Kinshasa argued that the appointment undermines the country’s territorial integrity and risks legitimizing the rebel occupation. They further criticized Kenya’s failure to adhere to international diplomatic norms, which require coordination with host governments before such announcements. The move has sparked concerns about shifting regional alliances, particularly Kenya’s growing closeness to Rwanda under President William Ruto.
The M23 group, now aligned with the Congo River Alliance, claims to be liberating the region from alleged misrule by Kinshasa and has begun efforts to establish a parallel administration. However, the group faces serious accusations of human rights abuses, with the conflict having already claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands more. A recent mediation effort led by Qatar resulted in a “declaration of principles” aimed at ending the decades-long violence, but negotiations have since stalled and hostilities have resumed.
The involvement of neighboring countries—including Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Kenya—has further complicated peace efforts, with foreign troops on the ground contributing to the volatile dynamics. Christian Moleka, a respected political analyst based in Congo, warned that Kenya’s unilateral diplomatic action could deepen Kinshasa’s mistrust and undermine regional initiatives aimed at restoring stability. As tensions mount and diplomatic fractures widen, the path to peace in eastern Congo remains fraught with uncertainty.