CNN Exclusive: Inside Goma with M23 Rebels in Eastern DRC

M23 Rebel Operations in Goma

• 🚩 The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has taken control of eastern DRC cities like Goma and Bukavu.
• 🎯 M23 leader Kony Ng'ang'a states their objective is to march on the capital, Kinshasa, to overthrow President Felix Tshisekedi.
• ✈️ Goma International Airport has been closed since the M23 takeover, with the group accusing Congolese troops of leaving behind mines.
• 💥 M23 claims to have captured a Russian-made fighter jet, which they allege was abandoned by the Congolese army.

Allegations and Denials of Abuses

• ⚖️ CNN's team confirmed widespread torture, mistreatment, and sexual violence against detainees by M23.
• 🗣️ M23 leader Ng'ang'a dismisses these accusations as propaganda from Kinshasa, funded to discredit the group.
• 🌍 Human rights groups report that some repatriations of Rwandan family members from DRC are not voluntary.

Root Causes and Peace Deals

• ⛏️ The conflict in eastern DRC, ongoing for over 30 years, is fueled by colonial-era border disputes, ethnic tensions, and control over mineral deposits like coltan.
• 💡 M23 states they will not withdraw from occupied areas until the root causes of the conflict are addressed.
• 🇺🇸 The M23 leader rejects the US-brokered peace deal, deeming it illegitimate as it does not address the core issues and does not include them.
• 📉 The escalation of violence has severely disrupted humanitarian operations, with millions requiring urgent food assistance.