Clashes hit rebel-controlled Goma, largest city in east Congo

13/4/2025 6:17

Clashes between pro-government forces and Rwanda-backed rebels reached Goma in east Congo, residents told Reuters on Saturday, as each side blamed the other for the worst violence in the area's largest city since the rebels seized it in January.



The toll from the clashes was not immediately clear. A government statement on Saturday night said 52 people had been killed in and around Goma, though the figure could not be independently verified.



Residents reported gunfire and explosions into the pre-dawn hours. "We were sleeping when we heard several shots from different weapons, like rocket launchers," a resident said.



After the fighting ended on Saturday, "I saw at least five injured and three dead fighters" in the city who appeared to be members of M23, the resident added.



The government statement blamed M23.