Tensions Soar in DR Congo Following Governor’s Death Amid Rebel Siege

Military soldiers in the Democratic Republic of the Congo increased patrols in the government bastion of Goma on Friday as Rwanda backed rebels encircled the city. Residents described the spread of panic as M23 rebels took control of Sake, a town only 27 kilometres (16 miles) from the provincial seat the day before.

Soldiers were observed inspecting passenger’s identities and the contents of their vehicles. M23 has made major territorial gains in recent weeks encircling Goma, home to over 2 million people and a regional hub for security and humanitarian assistance.

The nightly patrols occurred just hours after a military official revealed that the governor of eastern Congo’s North Kivu province died as a result of injuries sustained during frontline fighting. 

The circumstances behind Maj. Gen Peter Cirimwami’s death was unclear. He was struck during a skirmish on the front lines on Thursday and died from his injuries on Friday. The news sparked widespread worry and mourning in Goma.

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M23 is one of over 100 armed groups battling for a foothold in mineral-rich eastern Congo near the Rwandan border in a decades long conflict that has resulted in one of the world’s greatest humanitarian catastrophes. The war has displaced more than 7 million people. Earlier this month, M23 took control of the towns of Minova, Katale and Masisi west of Goma.