Rebel forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have claimed control of Goma, a major city home to over a million people. However, the government denies this, stating its forces still hold key strategic positions, including the city’s airport.

Residents have reported seeing M23 rebels patrolling Goma’s streets following an intense offensive on Sunday that forced tens of thousands to flee neighboring towns.

After hours of gunfire and explosions, calm has reportedly returned to parts of the city, though key roads are blocked, and humanitarian efforts have been hindered.

The escalating conflict has displaced over 400,000 people since the beginning of the year in the North and South Kivu provinces, near the border with Rwanda, according to the UN.

Many, like Alice Feza, are at a breaking point after repeated displacement. “We don’t know where to go anymore,” Feza said, describing how she had fled multiple towns before reaching Goma, only to face the ongoing chaos.

Tensions have risen between the DRC and Rwanda, with accusations of cross-border interference fueling the conflict. The DRC alleges that Rwanda is backing the M23 rebels, while Rwanda claims the Congolese government is supporting militias opposed to Kigali.

Regional leaders have called for an urgent ceasefire, with plans for an emergency summit to address the crisis. Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to find a peaceful resolution.

M23, which has steadily advanced since 2021, has taken control of large swathes of eastern DRC, an area rich in minerals such as gold and cobalt.

The group initially formed in 2012, citing the need to protect the Tutsi population in the region. However, critics accuse Rwanda of exploiting the group to access the DRC’s mineral wealth.

Reports from Goma indicate that heavy artillery fire has hit parts of the city, while a prison housing 3,000 inmates was reportedly destroyed in clashes, leading to a mass jailbreak and fatalities. Water and power supplies have also been disrupted, worsening conditions for residents.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged all parties to cease hostilities. He called on Rwanda to withdraw from DRC territory and demanded the M23 halt its advance and vacate occupied areas.

Efforts to restore peace remain critical to stabilizing the region and addressing the root causes of the conflict.