Panic has gripped the people of Nzulo, a suburb of Goma, capital of the province of North Kivu, this Wednesday, January 22, 2025 following the advancement of the M23 rebels.
On Wednesday, the population of Nzulo noticed the presence of AFC/M23 rebel coalition on the shores of Lake Kivu near Minova as they continue to advance towards Goma.
While in panic, the population moved to the city center in to alert and seek protection from the military governor General Peter Cirimwami who has run away from his office and now operating in MONUSCO base out of fear of the rebel’s advancement.
To address the panicked population, General Cirimwami could not reassure the population of the army’s protection due to its limited capacity.
Disappointed and hopeless, several youths opted to return to Nzulo and join the incoming M23 force in the territory.
“Do not give in to manipulation, our army is working for your security,” Cirimwami wailed hopelessly as several youths walked away in disappointment.
In a statement published on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the Congolese army reassured that it had inflicted heavy human and material losses on the M23 rebellion.
However, the M23 still went on to seize at least two (2) localities in the province of South Kivu on the same day.
