M23 rebels expand their control of Goma in eastern Congo

Rwanda-backed rebels captured large parts of Goma, the biggest city in eastern Congo, including its airport, the United Nations said, as Rwanda’s President on Wednesday (January 29, 2025) joined calls for a ceasefire in the decades-long conflict amid mounting international pressure.

Much of Goma was calm after a day during which thousands of fleeing people hunkered down by roadsides as missiles flew overhead, and injured people streamed to overwhelmed hospitals.

While government forces still control pockets of Goma, residents who spoke to The Associated Press by phone on Tuesday (January 28, 2025) said that the M23 rebel group was in control of much of the city.