After spending three years evading the Rwandan-backed M23 insurgency in eastern Congo, Colleta Nzambonimpa found herself seeking refuge in a church as the rebels approached Goma's outskirts on Sunday.
Expressing her aspirations, Nzambonimpa, 54, told Reuters, "I pray that God strengthens our soldiers. My prayer is for M23 to be defeated and leave Goma."
Following a replay of a 2012 offensive, the entrance of the rebels into the largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo triggered widespread panic among residents, raising concerns about the potential spread of the conflict.
Analysts and diplomats caution that global dynamics, military realities on the ground, and a reluctance from world powers to confront Rwanda could complicate efforts to quell the rebels in Goma and throughout eastern Congo, prolonging the displacement of millions of civilians.
Political scientist Jason Stearns from Simon Fraser University remarked, "The fall of Goma is a game changer," underscoring the critical shift in the region's dynamics.
The M23 insurgency, with its well-trained forces, has intensified its control over valuable mineral resources, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in North Kivu province.
Originating from the aftermath of Rwanda's 1994 genocide, M23 claims to protect Congo's Tutsi population, whereas Congo's government views them as a Rwandan proxy.
Despite denials from Rwanda, M23's recent advances have raised international concern, with calls for action from the United States, France, and Britain during a U.N. Security Council meeting.
As the conflict escalates, Rwanda's geopolitical maneuvers, alliances, and military involvement in Congo underscore the complex web of interests at play in the region.
Efforts to reign in the violence through diplomatic channels are underway, yet the situation remains volatile as regional powers navigate their competing agendas in the Great Lakes region of Africa.