DR Congo reports heavy military reinforcements from Rwanda into Goma

DR Congo Reports Heavy Military Reinforcements from Rwanda into Goma

By Dr. Sarah Chen

Date: Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Recent reports from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) indicate a significant military buildup in the North Kivu region, particularly in the city of Goma. Over the past 24 to 48 hours, sources within the DRC have confirmed that heavy military reinforcements have been arriving from Rwanda. This development follows the successful capture of Uvira in the South Kivu province by the M23 rebel group, which is believed to be shifting its focus towards North Kivu.

Key Details

The M23, a rebel group that has been active in eastern DRC, is reportedly preparing to launch a large-scale offensive aimed at capturing key cities in North Kivu, including Lubero, Butembo, and Beni. Unlike the confrontations faced in South Kivu, where M23 engaged with the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), Burundian forces, and the Wazalendo militia, the situation in North Kivu is complicated by the presence of the Ugandan People"s Defence Force (UPDF), which currently controls these three cities.

The UPDF"s involvement in eastern Congo stems from an invitation extended by the DRC"s capital, Kinshasa, to assist in combating extremist groups in the Ituri region, particularly the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO), which have been linked to various violent activities in the area. While Uganda has been accused of providing support to the Rwandan-backed M23 in the past, these allegations have not been substantiated. Nonetheless, Uganda has expressed concerns regarding the M23"s military buildup along its borders, leading to a rare exchange of territories between the UPDF and M23 forces just south of Lubero.

Background

The M23 rebel group, which emerged in 2012, has been a significant player in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The group claims to represent the interests of the Tutsi population in the region and has been involved in various military engagements against government forces and other armed groups. The recent advances in South Kivu, including the capture of Uvira, have raised alarms about the potential for further destabilization in the region. For more on the M23"s recent activities, see our previous reports.

The UPDF"s presence in eastern DRC is part of a broader strategy to stabilize the region, which has been plagued by violence and instability for decades. The Ugandan government has previously engaged in military operations in the DRC, often citing the need to combat terrorism and protect its national interests. The complex interplay of local and foreign military forces in the region continues to create a volatile security environment.

What"s Next

The potential offensive by M23 in North Kivu could have significant implications for the security situation in eastern DRC and the surrounding region. If successful, the capture of major cities like Lubero, Butembo, and Beni could further entrench M23"s power and lead to increased violence and displacement of civilians. The UPDF"s response to this threat will be crucial in determining the outcome of this unfolding situation. As the situation develops, further updates will be necessary to understand the full impact on regional stability and humanitarian conditions.

For ongoing coverage of the M23"s activities and their implications for regional security, stay tuned for our related coverage.