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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Justin Kabumba,Chinedu Asadu,Sam Mednick and Christina Malkia

Fear and gunshots after Rwanda-backed rebels claim takeover of eastern Congo's largest city

Congo UN Security Council - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Residents in eastern Congo’s largest city, Goma, woke up on Monday morning afraid and uncertain about who was in control of the area after Rwanda-backed rebels claimed to have captured the city, as their fight with Congolese security forces escalated in recent days in one of Africa’s longest wars.

Gunshots rang out across Goma overnight before dozens of men in military uniform were seen early Monday morning marching with their guns into the city, which is the capital of North Kivu province. It was unclear if the men — who were cheered on by some residents from the roadside — were the M23 rebels. The Congolese government has not confirmed the reported takeover.

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