People living in Goma, a city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, say there was a heavy attack last night involving rebel fighters.
The Wazalendo group, which is supported by the Congolese army, reportedly attacked the M23 rebels who have been in control of the city since January.
A shopkeeper named Robert Kamyuka told dpa that the night was filled with gunshots and explosions.
“Today there is high tension in Goma, with heavily-armed M23 rebels patrolling all the streets and positioning themselves at some strategic places. It was terrible last night. I have not opened my shop today. All shops are closed,” he said.
Another source, Pecos Kilihoshi, who leads a refugee support group, said the attack was carried out by Wazalendo and some members of the national army.
They launched the attack from nearby villages like Ndosho, Kyeshero, and Nyiragongo.
“The heavy exchange of gunfire and bombing plunged the population in the city into panic. On Saturday morning, most of the city residents remained in their homes, fearing to come out,” he added.
A police officer named Thomas Longwa, who spoke secretly over the phone, said people on both sides were injured or killed, but no official number has been released yet.
The World Food Programme says fighting between armed groups and the government army, especially with the M23 rebels, has been going on for months without stopping. In 2025 alone, more than 7,000 people have been killed, and around 7.8 million people have had to flee their homes.
Congo has been struggling with violent conflict for over 30 years, with more than 100 rebel groups fighting the government to take control of the country’s natural resources.
