In a statement released on Sunday, January 26, 2025, the fighters accused the coalition forces of "using Goma airport to load bombs that are killing the civilian population".
The fighters called for foreign troops working alongside the FARDC to stop killing civilians and immediately withdraw from the country's territory.
'The coalition forces supporting the Kinshasa regime are using Goma airport to load bombs that are killing the civilian population,' said M23 political spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka.
'AFC/M23 calls on all foreign armed forces present in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the Burundian National Defense Force (FDNB), SAMIDRC, Private Military Companies (MPC) Ajemira, to immediately stop killing our people and leave Congolese soil.'
In recent days, heavy fighting has occurred between government forces (FARDC) and their allies, including SAMIRDC, Burundi's military, MONUSCO troops, and allied groups such as FDLR and Wazalendo, in areas surrounding the City of Goma, with many FARDC soldiers having been expelled from these areas by the M23.
At least 13 soldiers from MONUSCO and SADC were killed over the last two days as M23 sought to capture Goma.
Meanwhile, M23 on Saturday, January 25, 2025, called for government forces and their allies to lay down their arms within 48 hours to prevent the conflict from escalating further.
Countries including Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and the United States have recently advised their citizens in Goma to leave and seek safer areas.
Yesterday, the UN announced that it had decided to temporarily relocate non-essential staff from Goma following a sharp escalation in hostilities.
In a statement, the UN confirmed that the relocation affects administrative personnel and those whose tasks can be performed remotely. However, the organization emphasized that this decision will not impact its ongoing humanitarian efforts in North Kivu, particularly in providing food, medical aid, and shelter to vulnerable populations.
The relocation will be reassessed as the security situation continues to evolve.
IGIHE
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/m23-announces-airspace-over-goma-is-closed-as-clashes-intensify
