GOMA, Congo (AP) – Rwanda-backed rebels known as M23 have captured the city of Goma in eastern Congo and held a rally to reassure residents of their security and stability under their administration. The political leader of M23, Corneille Nangaa, addressed thousands at the city stadium, claiming that Goma has been "liberated and sanitized" and announcing the appointment of new administrative heads. Nangaa emphasized the importance of security, urging residents to "sleep well" and announcing the reopening of schools and the return of displaced individuals to their homes.

With roughly 4,000 troops from Rwanda supporting the M23, these rebels represent a significant force among the more than 100 armed groups operating in eastern Congo. Analysts suggest that the M23 is now seeking political power and is determined to showcase its ability to govern effectively, a stark contrast to their brief capture of Goma in 2012.

However, the situation in Goma is complicated by public health concerns. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised alarms over disrupted services at the National Institute of Biomedical Research, a key facility for infectious disease surveillance, including Ebola. Yap Boum II from the organization noted that the rebellion has hindered sample collection for various illnesses, including mpox, and led to the unsafe evacuation of many patients from treatment centers, potentially heightening the spread of disease.

Although the M23 declared a unilateral ceasefire after gaining control of Goma, the government of Congo dismissed the ceasefire as "false communication." Further complicating the situation, the rebels engaged in battles for control of other territories, including a resource-rich town, which is essential for global technology supply chains. The United Nations has highlighted continued heavy fighting, despite the ceasefire declaration.

Concerns grow for the safety of displaced individuals in Goma, a city that previously offered critical humanitarian support to over six million displaced by regional conflicts. Emmanuel Kakule, a resident who attended the rally, expressed skepticism about the M23's promises, saying, "We're still afraid." Such sentiments are common among residents who remain cautious about the current governance under the rebels.

Meanwhile, Malawi President Lazarus Chakwera has directed the commander of his country’s peacekeepers in eastern Congo to prepare for a potential withdrawal. Malawian soldiers are part of a regional peacekeeping force aiding the Congolese army, with casualties reported during the conflict, including at least three Malawian and 14 South African soldiers. Chakwera stated that their withdrawal aligns with the M23's ceasefire declaration and aims to facilitate negotiations toward a lasting peace, although no specific timetable for this withdrawal has been provided.