DRC Military Governor Killed as M23 Rebels Advance on Goma
Major General Peter Cirimwami dies from frontline injuries as the M23 offensive intensifies in North Kivu.
GOMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) – The military governor of North Kivu province, Major General Peter Cirimwami, has succumbed to injuries sustained during clashes with the M23 rebel group, local sources confirmed on Friday. His death comes as the armed group tightens its grip on key territories surrounding Goma, a strategic city of nearly two million people.
Circumstances of the Military Governor’s Death
The exact details surrounding Cirimwami’s death remain unclear. However, reports indicate that the high-ranking military official was visiting troops on the front lines in Kasengezi, located just 13 kilometers (8 miles) from Goma, on Thursday, the day he died. His death was later confirmed by sources within the Congolese government, military, and the United Nations, all of whom requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the situation.
Cirimwami had been leading Congolese military operations in North Kivu, a province long plagued by violence from multiple armed factions. His leadership in the region was pivotal in efforts to push back the M23 rebel advance, which has seen a surge in activity over recent weeks.
M23 Advances as Panic Spreads in Goma
The March 23 Movement (M23) has seized significant territories in eastern DRC, escalating tensions and heightening fears of an impending battle for Goma. On Thursday, the rebels captured Sake, a key town 27 kilometers (16 miles) northwest of the provincial capital. This development is alarming as Sake lies along one of the last major roads still under government control, further restricting access to Goma.
The United Nations (UN) has warned that the deteriorating security situation in North Kivu could trigger a regional war. UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the devastating humanitarian impact, with over 400,000 people displaced in 2025 alone—nearly double the figure reported just last week.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
According to Matthew Saltmarsh, spokesperson for the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the ongoing violence has forced thousands of families from at least nine displacement camps on the outskirts of Goma to flee into the city. Many are now struggling to find shelter and basic necessities.
“We are gravely concerned about the safety and security of civilians, especially internally displaced people,” Saltmarsh said in a press briefing in Geneva. “Heavy bombardments have forced families to abandon their homes, leaving them exposed to extreme hardship.”
Western Nations Urge Citizens to Evacuate
Amid escalating violence, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France have urged their citizens to leave Goma immediately while airports and border crossings remain open. The advisory was issued through online statements, emails, and text message alerts.
M23, one of over 100 armed groups operating in eastern DRC, has been accused of war crimes, including rape and forced recruitment of young men. The rebel group has displaced over two million people since its resurgence in 2021, exacerbating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
M23’s Role in the Prolonged Eastern DRC Conflict
The M23 rebellion has its roots in earlier conflicts between the DRC government and Tutsi-led insurgents. The group, widely believed to be backed by Rwanda, has been vying for territorial control in North Kivu’s mineral-rich regions. The ongoing fighting underscores the decades-long instability in the eastern DRC, where armed groups exploit lucrative natural resources while communities suffer from continuous violence.
What’s Next for Goma and the DRC?
With Goma increasingly encircled, fears of a direct attack on the provincial capital are growing. The Congolese military is reportedly reinforcing its positions, but without substantial international intervention, the situation could further deteriorate.
For now, the death of Major General Peter Cirimwami marks a critical moment in the battle for North Kivu, signaling deepening instability in the region and heightening concerns over M23’s growing territorial ambitions.
Source : Swifteradio.com
