New DRC violence creates more insecurity

Christians ask for prayer as thousands are killed. On Tuesday, 26 January 2025, a rebel group known as M23 marched into the city of Goma in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The rebels have since gained control of large parts of the strategic city. The Congolese army (FARDC) has responded, and fighting in the city has caused many to flee; hospitals are overwhelmed with injured civilians caught in the crossfire. The United Nations estimates that at least 2,900 people have died in the fighting. Open Doors field sources say the group has also taken over large swathes of territory in other parts of the province.

Goma is the regional capital of North Kivu province and home to more than a million people. The city borders Rwanda and the shores of Lake Kivu. It is a vital trading and transport hub within reach of mining towns supplying metals and minerals in high demand, such as gold, tin and coltan, a key ingredient in making mobile phones. “Open Doors strongly condemns the attack on civilians and joins the calls on government at all levels to keep civilians safe and do everything in their power to restore peace to Goma,” says Jo Newhouse*, Open Doors’ spokesperson for our work in sub-Saharan Africa. “The international community must do all in its power to prevent this current situation from developing into a long-lasting geopolitical crisis.”

North Kivu province has been home to multiple attacks against Christians. In summer 2024, at least 80 Christians were killed during a series of attacks in the region. It was suspected that the Allied Defense Forces (ADF, Islamic militants with links to the Islamic State group), were responsible for those attacks. This latest violence is just another incident that will create insecurity and fear among all Congolese – including followers of Jesus.

Insecurity creates opportunity
M23 is an insurgent group with ties to Rwanda. At this stage, Open Doors can’t say that the Church is specifically targeted by the M23 rebels – however, Open Doors’ World Watch List research has found that M23 has killed Christian civilians, further exacerbating the security situation for our brothers and sisters. For instance, In February 2024, M23 rebels found 14 Christian men working their farmland in North Kivu. The rebels demanded the men join their ranks and when they refused, the rebels killed them.

Additionally, we know from past experiences that other militant groups known to specifically target Christian converts – like the ADF – can use the insecurity to weaken the Church. “The humanitarian situation in and around Goma remains extremely worrying,” Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the U.N. humanitarian office (OCHA), shared in a Geneva briefing in late January, citing reports from staff in the city. “Hospitals in Goma are reportedly overwhelmed, struggling to manage the influx of wounded people.” According to local UN workers, there have also been reports of fighters committing rape and sexual assault.

As fighting continues, many activities within the city under M23 control have been cancelled, including church services. Open Doors sources indicate that during one of their incursions, there may have been a bomb thrown at a church, but that report has been difficult to confirm.

A bad situation made worse
“Even before this attack on Goma, the people in eastern DRC have lived amidst ongoing insecurity,” Newhouse notes. “They are vulnerable and traumatized. The immediate and long-term human cost of the violence must not be allowed to continue in this manner.” This latest incident is a reminder of the violence that Christians in the DRC face each and every day and is part of a wider problem impacting the Church in sub-Saharan Africa.

That’s why Open Doors has started the multi-year Arise Africa campaign, dedicated to stopping the violence and starting the healing. You can add your voice, reminding God’s people in the DRC and across Africa that they are not forgotten, but that you are praying with them and speaking up on their behalf.

“We further call on the international Christian community to remain in prayer over the devastating situation in Goma,” Newhouse says. “Pray for an end to this incursion as government at all levels diligently, impartially, and transparently address the violence and its effects. Pray for the church in Goma and eastern DRC as she seeks to bring physical and spiritual assistance to the affected.”