Clashes in Goma leave 17 dead as M23 rebels enter city in DR Congo

Clashes in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, have resulted in at least 17 deaths and nearly 370 injuries as Congolese forces battle M23 rebels backed by Rwanda. The fighting intensified after M23 entered the city center on January 26, 2025. Rwanda reported five civilian deaths from artillery fire across the border. The situation has led to a humanitarian crisis, displacing over 400,000 people since the start of the year. A crisis summit is planned for January 29, 2025, involving leaders from the DRC and Rwanda. The DRC government condemned the Rwandan military's involvement, calling it a "declaration of war." The U.N. Security Council has urged the withdrawal of external forces but did not name Rwanda. Both countries have withdrawn diplomats amid escalating tensions.