DR of Congo governor ‘killed by rebels’ as fighting intensifies

Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, the military governor of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Published 9:40 PM ET, Friday January 24, 2025

Rebels from the Rwanda-backed M23 have killed a military governor as they advanced through eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the army has confirmed

Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, the military governor of North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has died from injuries sustained during frontline combat with M23 rebels. He was overseeing troops near Kasengezi, approximately 13 kilometers (8 miles) from the provincial capital, Goma, when he was shot on Thursday. Despite being airlifted for medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries.

Congolese government troops deploy outside Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Friday, January 24, 2025, as M23 rebels are reported to close in on the town. MOSES SAWASAWA / AP

The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, warning that the conflict could spill into a broader regional war. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called on the M23 to cease its offensive and urged all parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC.

The situation in Goma remains tense, with reports of heavy bombardments and a significant military presence. The city’s hospitals are overwhelmed with injured civilians, and there are growing concerns about shortages of essential supplies due to blocked supply routes.

The M23, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis who broke away from the Congolese army over a decade ago, claims to defend Tutsi interests against ethnic Hutu militias. However, the DRC government and international bodies accuse neighboring Rwanda of supporting the M23, a claim that Rwanda denies.

The death of Governor Cirimwami marks a significant escalation in the conflict, underscoring the challenges faced by the Congolese government in its efforts to stabilize the eastern regions of the country.