President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has cut short his trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos to address the worsening conflict in the country’s eastern region.
Fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has intensified in recent weeks. The rebels have captured key towns, including Masisi and Minova in North Kivu, displacing more than 400,000 people since the start of the year, according to the United Nations.
The M23 rebels are advancing towards Goma, a city of over a million residents near the Rwandan border. The fall of Goma would mark a significant victory for the group, which briefly occupied the city in 2012 before withdrawing under a peace deal. Roads leading to Goma have been blocked, raising fears of food shortages.
Local union leader Bahala Shamavu Innocent described the situation as dire: “The town of Goma is suffocated; there are no more entrances or exits… this population is suffering enormously.”
President Tshisekedi’s return signals urgent efforts to stabilize the region amid growing international and domestic concerns.