The M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced that it cannot reopen Goma International Airport due to unexploded ordnance and a damaged runway, presenting significant safety risks. This statement was made by the group’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, on February 11, 2025.  

The announcement follows a resolution made three days earlier by heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC), urging M23 to facilitate humanitarian efforts by reopening the airport.  

Kanyuka clarified the group’s position, stating, “Technical issues, including unexploded explosives and a damaged runway, have made it impossible to reopen Goma International Airport.”  

Call to Reopen Key Routes  

In addition to the airport, EAC and SADC leaders called on M23 to ensure the reopening of major roads, including the Goma-Bunagana and Goma-Lubero highways, as well as water routes on Lake Kivu connecting Goma and Bukavu.  

Kanyuka responded that all roads and waterways under M23 control are currently open, urging SADC forces deployed in the DRC to utilize these routes or return to their home countries.  

M23 Welcomes Political Dialogue 

Despite the challenges, M23 expressed support for the resolutions adopted during the EAC and SADC summit, particularly those calling for political dialogue between the rebel group and the Congolese government. Kanyuka emphasized that M23 seeks active participation in discussions about the implementation of these resolutions.  

However, he also accused the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and Burundian troops of planning attacks against civilians in areas under M23 control, including Nyabibwe and Kalehe center. He issued a warning that the group would defend its territories if provoked.  

Path to Peace  

Kanyuka underscored that if SADC and Burundian forces are committed to bringing peace to eastern DRC, they must adhere to the resolutions set by EAC and SADC leaders. He reiterated that their departure from the region would be a step toward restoring stability.  

The humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo remains dire, with millions of civilians displaced and in urgent need of aid. The reopening of strategic infrastructure, such as Goma International Airport and major roads, is critical for delivering assistance and facilitating peacebuilding efforts.  

This development adds to the complexity of achieving a lasting resolution in the volatile eastern DRC, where regional and international stakeholders continue to search for sustainable solutions.

M23 Rebel Group Declines to Reopen Goma International Airport Citing Safety Concerns

The M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced that it cannot reopen Goma International Airport due to unexploded ordnance and a damaged runway, presenting significant safety risks. This statement was made by the group’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, on February 11, 2025.  

The announcement follows a resolution made three days earlier by heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC), urging M23 to facilitate humanitarian efforts by reopening the airport.  

Kanyuka clarified the group’s position, stating, “Technical issues, including unexploded explosives and a damaged runway, have made it impossible to reopen Goma International Airport.”  

Call to Reopen Key Routes  

In addition to the airport, EAC and SADC leaders called on M23 to ensure the reopening of major roads, including the Goma-Bunagana and Goma-Lubero highways, as well as water routes on Lake Kivu connecting Goma and Bukavu.  

Kanyuka responded that all roads and waterways under M23 control are currently open, urging SADC forces deployed in the DRC to utilize these routes or return to their home countries.  

M23 Welcomes Political Dialogue  

Despite the challenges, M23 expressed support for the resolutions adopted during the EAC and SADC summit, particularly those calling for political dialogue between the rebel group and the Congolese government. Kanyuka emphasized that M23 seeks active participation in discussions about the implementation of these resolutions.  

However, he also accused the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and Burundian troops of planning attacks against civilians in areas under M23 control, including Nyabibwe and Kalehe center. He issued a warning that the group would defend its territories if provoked.  

Path to Peace  

Kanyuka underscored that if SADC and Burundian forces are committed to bringing peace to eastern DRC, they must adhere to the resolutions set by EAC and SADC leaders. He reiterated that their departure from the region would be a step toward restoring stability.  

The humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo remains dire, with millions of civilians displaced and in urgent need of aid. The reopening of strategic infrastructure, such as Goma International Airport and major roads, is critical for delivering assistance and facilitating peacebuilding efforts.  

This development adds to the complexity of achieving a lasting resolution in the volatile eastern DRC, where regional and international stakeholders continue to search for sustainable solutions.

The M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced that it cannot reopen Goma International Airport due to unexploded ordnance and a damaged runway, presenting significant safety risks. This statement was made by the group’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, on February 11, 2025.  

The announcement follows a resolution made three days earlier by heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC), urging M23 to facilitate humanitarian efforts by reopening the airport.  

Kanyuka clarified the group’s position, stating, “Technical issues, including unexploded explosives and a damaged runway, have made it impossible to reopen Goma International Airport.”  

Call to Reopen Key Routes  

In addition to the airport, EAC and SADC leaders called on M23 to ensure the reopening of major roads, including the Goma-Bunagana and Goma-Lubero highways, as well as water routes on Lake Kivu connecting Goma and Bukavu.  

Kanyuka responded that all roads and waterways under M23 control are currently open, urging SADC forces deployed in the DRC to utilize these routes or return to their home countries.  

M23 Welcomes Political Dialogue 

Despite the challenges, M23 expressed support for the resolutions adopted during the EAC and SADC summit, particularly those calling for political dialogue between the rebel group and the Congolese government. Kanyuka emphasized that M23 seeks active participation in discussions about the implementation of these resolutions.  

However, he also accused the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and Burundian troops of planning attacks against civilians in areas under M23 control, including Nyabibwe and Kalehe center. He issued a warning that the group would defend its territories if provoked.  

Path to Peace  

Kanyuka underscored that if SADC and Burundian forces are committed to bringing peace to eastern DRC, they must adhere to the resolutions set by EAC and SADC leaders. He reiterated that their departure from the region would be a step toward restoring stability.  

The humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo remains dire, with millions of civilians displaced and in urgent need of aid. The reopening of strategic infrastructure, such as Goma International Airport and major roads, is critical for delivering assistance and facilitating peacebuilding efforts.  

This development adds to the complexity of achieving a lasting resolution in the volatile eastern DRC, where regional and international stakeholders continue to search for sustainable solutions.

M23 Rebel Group Declines to Reopen Goma International Airport Citing Safety Concerns

The M23 rebel group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced that it cannot reopen Goma International Airport due to unexploded ordnance and a damaged runway, presenting significant safety risks. This statement was made by the group’s political spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, on February 11, 2025.  

The announcement follows a resolution made three days earlier by heads of state from the East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC), urging M23 to facilitate humanitarian efforts by reopening the airport.  

Kanyuka clarified the group’s position, stating, “Technical issues, including unexploded explosives and a damaged runway, have made it impossible to reopen Goma International Airport.”  

Call to Reopen Key Routes  

In addition to the airport, EAC and SADC leaders called on M23 to ensure the reopening of major roads, including the Goma-Bunagana and Goma-Lubero highways, as well as water routes on Lake Kivu connecting Goma and Bukavu.  

Kanyuka responded that all roads and waterways under M23 control are currently open, urging SADC forces deployed in the DRC to utilize these routes or return to their home countries.  

M23 Welcomes Political Dialogue  

Despite the challenges, M23 expressed support for the resolutions adopted during the EAC and SADC summit, particularly those calling for political dialogue between the rebel group and the Congolese government. Kanyuka emphasized that M23 seeks active participation in discussions about the implementation of these resolutions.  

However, he also accused the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and Burundian troops of planning attacks against civilians in areas under M23 control, including Nyabibwe and Kalehe center. He issued a warning that the group would defend its territories if provoked.  

Path to Peace  

Kanyuka underscored that if SADC and Burundian forces are committed to bringing peace to eastern DRC, they must adhere to the resolutions set by EAC and SADC leaders. He reiterated that their departure from the region would be a step toward restoring stability.  

The humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo remains dire, with millions of civilians displaced and in urgent need of aid. The reopening of strategic infrastructure, such as Goma International Airport and major roads, is critical for delivering assistance and facilitating peacebuilding efforts.  

This development adds to the complexity of achieving a lasting resolution in the volatile eastern DRC, where regional and international stakeholders continue to search for sustainable solutions.