Goma Plunged into Darkness as DR Congo Soldiers Struggle to Conquer M23 Rebels

The President of the Democratic Republic of Congo National Assembly, Vital Kamerhe, on Jan. 27, confirmed the invasion of M23 rebels in Goma town but insists that the country’s soldiers are standing firm.

Although the situation in Goma remains unclear, Kamerhe claims the national army still holds positions in the North Kivu provincial capital. He made the declaration after evaluating the situation in the town during an institutional meeting held in Kinshasa, the national capital, with the Congolese head of state President Felix Tshisekedi.

“We spoke essentially of the question in the Eastern DR Congo, evaluating the situation prevailing, particularly in Goma town. From this evaluation, it came out that our soldiers, FARDC and the Wazalendo, continue to hold certain positions in the town and we stand here, in the name of the President of the Republic, to congratulate the population of North Kivu, the brave combatants of the armed forces of DR Congo and the Wazalendo,” Kamerhe said.

Sporadic gunshots have been reported, especially around the airport and violence continues in the town with deteriorating humanitarian situation. Goma has been plunged into darkness as there has been no electricity, water and internet for several days.

“We have also explored with the President of the Republic, the means to exit from the crisis which would integrate to the political aspect and to the diplomatic aspect and the plan to come out of this crisis would be given to you at the right moment,” Kamerhe added.

As of the time of filing this report, the fibre optic has been cut and the provincial antenna of the Congolese National Radio and Television is off the air.