This Saturday, the M23 rebel group carried out a security operation in Goma, arresting around 30 armed bandits, including FDLR fighters, and seizing 10 firearms and their magazines.
The operation was conducted in Ndosho, a neighborhood in Karisimbi Commune.
The Mayor of Goma, Katembo Ndalieni Julien, praised the operation and called on residents to report any suspicious individuals threatening security, saying:
“You can see how someone could hide a weapon like this under a coat and cause chaos at night. Please give us information so we can give you peace.”
The mayor also urged residents with relatives in the Wazalendo group to convince them to lay down their arms, stressing that vigilantism must stop, and justice should handle suspects properly.
Since M23 took control of Goma in late January 2025, the city has experienced a spike in armed crime, due to weapons left behind by fleeing government troops and some falling into the hands of civilians.
M23 spokesperson Lt. Col. Willy Ngoma confirmed the presence of FDLR fighters among those arrested and accused the Congolese government of fueling insecurity by financing destabilizing activities in Goma and Bukavu through allied politicians.
