Expert Comment
Ladd Serwat on drone strikes hitting Goma as forces target M23
ACLED’s Africa Senior Analyst Ladd Serwat comments on the military offensive aiming to recapture M23-held territory in Goma.
Ladd Serwat, Africa Senior Analyst at ACLED, said:
“Congolese military forces and Wazalendo — a loose coalition of armed groups with a growing number of members since the resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23)— are increasingly threatening the M23’s regional headquarters in Goma. In the morning of 11 March, Congolese military forces launched drone strikes into Goma city — the first strikes in the city since M23 and Rwandan military forces took over this location in January 2025. In addition to the drone strike on Goma, the Congolese military launched strikes east of Goma in the town of Mushaki on 7 March.
“Together with several clashes between M23 and Wazalendo just north of Goma city, these cases signal the most serious threat to the city of Goma since it was overtaken in January 2025 and may signal a broader offensive by the Congolese military to re-take areas of North Kivu.”
For an interview with Ladd Serwat, contact the ACLED press office, [email protected].
ACLED (Armed Conflict Location & Event Data) is a global monitor that collects, analyzes, and maps data on conflict and protest. ACLED provides detailed information to help identify, understand, and track patterns and trends in conflict and crisis situations around the world.
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