M23 rebels claim they have seized control of Goma, the eastern DRC’s largest city.

M23 rebels stand in position at the Grande Barrier border amid clashes with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the border crossing point at Gisenyi, Rwanda, January 29, 2025 [Thomas Mukoya/Reuters]

Bodies are lining the streets of Goma, and hospitals are overwhelmed after an escalation in the long-simmering conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Rwandan-backed M23 group claims it took control of the city, and the DRC has called it a declaration of war by Rwanda. But why is Rwanda involved and what are its interests?

In this episode:

  • Kambale Musavuli (@kambale), Analyst, Center for Research on the Congo

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat, and Chloe K. Li with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hagir Saleh, Hanah Shokeir, Melanie Marich, Noor Wazwaz and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio. 

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