Saturday, April 12, 2025
Agyeman Joshua
Calm After Chaos: Goma Residents on Edge as FARDC & Wazalendo Close In
A tense calm has settled over Goma this Saturday morning, April 12, after a terrifying night filled with loud gunfire and explosions. The city, already shaken by months of conflict, is once again at the center of intense fighting between the Wazalendo fighters and the M23/AFC rebels.
Neighborhoods like Ndosho, Kyeshero, Mugunga, and the southern part of Nyiragongo territory were hit the hardest. Many families stayed awake through the night, gripped by fear as heavy weapons lit up the sky.
This morning, most people were staying indoors. The streets were quiet, and traffic was almost nonexistent. In the western parts of Goma, schools remained closed. While some residents cautiously peeked outside, others gathered in small groups on corners, whispering about what really happened overnight.
“Overmilitarization,” said a local resident in Ndosho. “Heavily armed rebels strictly control access to the neighborhood and subject passersby to systematic searches.”
The attack, which happened between Friday night and early Saturday, was reportedly an attempt by Wazalendo fighters to push back into the city, especially through Ndosho. But they faced stiff resistance from the M23 rebels, who have held parts of Goma since January. There’s no official word yet on casualties.
Meanwhile, a powerful statement has stirred hope:
“The city of Goma is now surrounded by our valiant FARDC and the courageous Wazalendo. The city's complete recovery is only a matter of hours away! We call on all our compatriots living in Goma to return home before 7 p.m., as a safety precaution. Liberation is underway. Long live the Republic!”
Behind the scenes, this fight isn’t just local. Rwanda is once again being accused of backing the M23, fueling tensions even further.
