M23 Allegedly Seizes Control of National Broadcaster in Goma, DR Congo

Synopsis

On January 28, 2023, the M23 rebels captured the Congolese National Radio and Television station in Goma, a city under siege in the DRC. This takeover marks a significant strategic move as tensions soar, prompting concerns for civilian safety and regional stability.

Key Takeaways

M23 rebels have taken over RTNC facilities.
The situation in Goma escalated with gunfire and fighting.
Mount Goma has been captured by the rebels.
The border with Rwanda is now closed.
DRC government seeks to prevent loss of life.

Goma, Jan 28 (NationPress) Rebels from the March 23 Movement (M23) have reportedly taken over the premises of the Congolese National Radio and Television (RTNC) in Goma, a city currently facing aggression from the rebel faction in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to RTNC sources.

The media outlet Radio Okapi, backed by the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC, reported that multiple sources described the takeover of the national broadcaster as a tactical gain for the rebels, who aim to assert their authority over the city, as per a report from Xinhua.

Since Sunday evening, gunfire has echoed throughout Goma. By Monday morning, clashes intensified in various neighborhoods, particularly near the border with Rwanda, as local sources informed Xinhua.

Additional local reports indicated that the rebels gained an advantage after seizing Mount Goma, a crucial hill situated 1,500 meters above sea level in the heart of the city. Witnesses noted that several M23 units infiltrated various neighborhoods, traversing both major and minor routes.

UN sources have indicated that the border between Rwanda and the DRC close to Goma was sealed off on Monday morning. Over the past few days, many residents from Goma have fled to Gisenyi, a nearby Rwandan town, as anxiety grows amid the reports of gunfire.

In a recent statement released early Monday, the M23 declared that the 'liberation of the city has been finalized' and that 'the situation is now under control' following a 48-hour ultimatum issued to Congolese military forces.

On Saturday, the M23 had given a 48-hour deadline for the DRC military and their allies to capitulate.

The DRC government announced on Monday that it 'continues to strive to prevent bloodshed and loss of life' in Goma. Meanwhile, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi convened an inter-institutional meeting in Kinshasa, the capital, although his spokesperson, Tina Salama, did not provide further details.

Tensions remain elevated following recent M23 advances in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. According to UN peacekeeping mission sources, the rebels have taken control of several key facilities, including the airport, the port, and a local military base. The most recent report from a UN expert group indicated that the rebels have captured multiple towns and set up a parallel government.