At least 130 patients were abducted when M23 rebels raided two hospitals in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in late February 2025. The attack has intensified international scrutiny, particularly over allegations that Rwanda is backing the rebel group—a claim Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
Abductions and Rising Tensions
On the night of February 28, M23 rebels stormed CBCA Ndosho Hospital and Heal Africa Hospital in coordinated attacks, taking 116 patients from CBCA Ndosho and 15 from Heal Africa. According to United Nations reports, the rebels targeted individuals suspected of being soldiers from the Congolese army or members of the pro-government Wazalendo militia.
The UN has condemned the abductions and called for the immediate release of the patients.
The resurgence of M23 is deeply tied to the spillover effects of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. After the genocide, in which an estimated 800,000 Tutsi and moderate Hutus were killed, many Hutu extremists fled to eastern Congo and later became part of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). Rwanda has long cited the presence of these militias as a security threat, fueling tensions with the Congolese government.
M23 Rebel Activities and Rwanda’s Alleged Involvement
Since early 2025, M23 has escalated its military operations, seizing key territories, including mineral-rich areas vital for electronic manufacturing.
The conflict has resulted in an estimated 7,000 deaths and displaced nearly half a million people.
“More than 7,000 people have been killed in fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) since last month, with a “significant” number of civilians among the dead, Prime Minister Judith Suminwa said.
The DRC government and international organizations have accused Rwanda of supporting M23, alleging that Rwandan troops are fighting alongside the rebels. UN reports suggest that up to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers may be involved in the conflict, matching or surpassing the number of M23 fighters.
However, Rwanda denied these allegations, insisting its military actions are defensive, aimed at countering the FDLR and other Hutu militias operating from Congolese territory.
Rwandan officials claim that Kinshasa has failed to neutralize these groups, which continue to launch attacks on Rwanda.
A statement by Rwanda’s Deputy Government Spokesman, Alain Mukuralinda, dismissed the allegations from the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s military that Kigali is backing the resurgent M23 rebel movement in the east.
“Rwanda has no involvement in supporting M23. These accusations are baseless and politically motivated,” Mukuralinda said.
He also denied claims that two men, presented to journalists as captured Rwandan soldiers involved in attacks on Congolese army bases, were from Rwanda.
“These individuals are not Rwandan soldiers. This is yet another fabrication to justify ongoing tensions,” he stated.
Addressing the resurgence of M23, Mukuralinda pointed to past agreements between the Congolese government and the rebel group.
“The M23 issue stems from Kinshasa’s failure to honor its commitments on demobilization and reintegration. This situation could have been avoided if past agreements had been respected,” he added.
International Response
The crisis has drawn widespread international condemnation, prompting diplomatic and economic actions:
The U.S. has condemned Rwanda’s alleged involvement and called for the withdrawal of its troops from eastern Congo. Washington has also urged M23 to cease hostilities and engage in peace talks.
In addition, The UK has suspended aid to Rwanda and halted government-level engagements while reviewing trade and defense relations with Kigali.
“The UK said the humanitarian situation in DR Congo was “critical” and that it would halt bilateral aid to Rwanda, “excluding support to the poorest and most vulnerable”.
“Earlier this month, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Rwanda receives about £32m ($40m) of bilateral aid from the UK every year”, a report said.
However, the EU has suspended defense consultations with Rwanda and is reassessing a critical raw materials agreement, reflecting concerns over the exploitation of Congolese resources.
“Calling for an immediate end to the violence, particularly the mass killings and the use of rape as a strategic weapon of war, Parliament urges the DRC and Rwanda to investigate and prosecute those responsible for war crimes, including sexual violence, under the principle of command responsibility. MEPs also say that any attack on United Nations-mandated forces is inexcusable and may be considered a war crime”, a report said.
According to reports, these measures aimed to pressure Rwanda to disengage from the conflict and support a peaceful resolution.
Humanitarian Impact
The abduction of hospital patients revealed humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo. The ongoing violence has displaced hundreds of thousands, disrupted access to healthcare and education, and strained humanitarian efforts. Aid organizations are struggling to reach affected communities, raising fears of a broader regional conflict if the situation remains unresolved.
Consequently, “Rwanda used to deny backing the M23, but recently it has adopted a more defensive line, saying fighting near the border between DR Congo and Rwanda is a threat to its security.”
“More than 7,000 people have died and hundreds of thousands have fled their homes since the conflict escalated in January, DR Congo’s government says”, a report said.
Read more:
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DRC crisis: Over 100 women raped, burnt alive in Goma jailbreak
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DR Congo: M23 still in control of Goma, over 700 killed, 2880 injured, 300,000 displaced
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