Fighting Nears Congo Trading Hub as UN Warns of Broader War

M23 rebels battle Congo forces, take final town outside Goma
UN chief Antonio Guterres warns of possible regional conflict

FARDC soldiers on patrol in Goma on Jan. 23.Photographer: Jospin Mwisha/AFP/Getty Images

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By Michael J Kavanagh and Ignatius Ssuuna

January 24, 2025 at 11:59 AM UTC

Updated on

January 24, 2025 at 7:33 PM UTC

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Fighting between M23 rebels and Democratic Republic of Congo’s army intensified on Friday, with the militia threatening to take the trading hub of Goma and the United Nations warning of a regional war.

Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi flew home from Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday to convene an emergency security council, his office said. The meeting came as M23 rebels took Sake, the last town on the road to Goma, according to the UN.