Thousands of residents in Goma gathered on Thursday for a rally organized by the M23 rebels, who aimed to reassure the public about their safety under their administration. The event, held in the city center, came amid increasing international pressure for the group to withdraw from occupied territories in eastern Congo.
During the rally, an M23 commander addressed the crowd, passionately defending the rebels’ presence in the region. “We are not your enemies. We are here to protect you, not to harm you!” he declared, drawing cheers from some sections of the audience. The M23 group, which has been engaged in conflict with the Congolese government for years, has seized control of strategic areas in North Kivu Province, including parts of Goma.
However, their presence has instilled fear among residents and drawn widespread condemnation from international organizations, including the United Nations and regional leaders. In an attempt to ease concerns, another rebel leader assured the crowd, “We understand your fears, but we promise to maintain security and stability. We are working for peace, not war.”
Despite these assurances, skepticism remains high among the local population. While some attendees expressed cautious optimism, others saw the rally as a strategic effort to win public support. “I came to listen, but I don’t know if we can trust them,” said Jean Bosco, a local trader. “We have seen too much violence in the past.”
Meanwhile, international actors continue to push for diplomatic solutions, urging M23 to lay down their arms and engage in peace talks with the Congolese government. However, Kinshasa insists that the rebels must first withdraw from occupied areas before any negotiations can take place.
As the rally came to an end, an M23 spokesperson reaffirmed the group’s stance. “We are not leaving until the rights of our people are respected. We are here for justice!” he declared, signaling continued defiance despite growing international pressure.
