This intense fighting claimed the lives of Major General Peter Cirimwami Nkuba, the military governor of North Kivu province, and nine South African soldiers who were in the country on peacekeeping and offensive missions. As a result of the fighting, many diplomats fled the city to Rwanda. After the capture of Goma, some FARDC and coalition soldiers were seen retreating to Rwanda while surrendering their weapons to Rwandan security authorities.

The fighting also spread to Rubavu, near the border of DR Congo and Rwanda, where bombs crossed into Rwanda, killing five civilians and injuring 25 others, according to Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, a spokesperson for the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF). Over 2,000 Congolese civilians have fled to the Rwandan side of the border in the Rugerero sector of Rubavu. Other civilians, undeterred by the situation, were seen looting at Goma International Airport.

The chaos in Goma city has also affected truck drivers who were en route to the town. Those who had reached the Chanika border from Kampala and Mombasa decided to halt their journeys upon hearing about the ongoing crisis.

Hajji Shabban Mugisha, one of the truck drivers, states that he and his fellow drivers chose to remain at the Chanika border rather than risk their lives and goods by proceeding. He also mentioned that security officers at the border advised them to stay put and wait for further developments in Goma. Mugisha expressed that the situation suggests there is no functioning government in the DRC.

Moses Kato, another truck driver, told our reporter that they would remain at the Chanika border until the situation normalizes. He emphasized that attempting to cross into Goma poses a significant risk of looting. Kato further pointed out that there is insufficient parking space on the Rwandan side of the border.

Ben Niwamanya Kashumbusha, the Kisoro District Police Commander, praised the truck drivers’ decision, highlighting the importance of their safety. Kashumbusha noted that security authorities on the Ugandan side of the border are prepared to protect the drivers and their cargo. He added that security at the border remains on high alert to prevent any negative elements from crossing into Uganda.

In June 2022, security authorities in Kisoro district moved immigration and customs services from the Uganda-DR Congo border at Bunagana to the Uganda-Rwanda border at Chanika, following traffic disruption along the Bunagana-Rutshuru-Goma route due to clashes between DRC forces and M23 rebels in Rutshuru territory. M23 rebels captured Goma city during the 2012 insurgency but withdrew after about seven days to allow for peace talks with the government.

However, after their withdrawal, the government, alongside mercenaries and United Nations troops, launched an assault against them until they retreated to Uganda and Rwanda. The insurgency resumed in 2022, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and Emmanuel Sultan Makenga, who seized FARDC positions in Tchanzu and Runoni in Rutshuru territory, eventually capturing the Bunagana border.

Since then, the insurgency has left many parts of North and South Kivu provinces in rebel hands. In August 2024, Bisimwa and Makenga formed an alliance with Corneille Nangaa Yobeluo, the leader of the Alliance Fleuve (River) Congo (AFC) and former chairman of the country’s electoral commission, to escalate the insurgency against the government.

The DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, a claim that both Rwanda and the M23 deny. The rebels assert that their fight is against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC’s leadership.

Faced with rapid population growth and inadequate development, DRC is grappling with critical transport infrastructure challenges especially in the capital Kinshasha.

The current transportation system meets less than half of the daily demand, according to the city’s urban transport master plan.

Now, Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), together with Alstom, a pioneer in sustainable mobility, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to propel the development of the MetroKin rail project in Kinshasa.

This significant partnership was announced alongside the recent state visit of His Excellency Félix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to France.

The partnership builds on AFC’s prior agreement with Trans Connexion Congo (TCC) to develop a mass transit system that extends over 300km of railroad in Kinshasa, the most populous city in Africa.

The project will unfold in four phases, starting with the overhaul of a 25km stretch from Kinshasa’s central station to N’Djili International Airport, completely upgrading the existing railway.

AFC has committed an initial investment of US$3 million to advance the project development phase, leading to financial closure. As the Mandated Lead Arranger, AFC is spearheading this transformative urban project.

Alstom’s involvement as a strategic industrial partner supports the broader goal of enhancing urban mobility across Africa.

Banking on huge experience

Drawing from its experience in South Africa’s urban train systems and regional projects like Dakar’s express train and Abidjan’s first metro line, Alstom is set to significantly contribute to Kinshasa’s transit overhaul.

The MetroKin rail project aims to expand and modernize the existing rail network, improving connectivity, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and significantly cutting transportation times between the suburbs and city center.

Amadou Wadda, Senior Director of Project Development & Technical Solutions at AFC, said:

“We are pleased to welcome a global institution of high repute like Alstom to the project. Their expertise will be crucial as we push forward with this project, which promises to reshape Kinshasa’s economic landscape, create numerous jobs, and transform lives.”

Erick Onepunga Yongo, Managing Director of MetroKin said: “Under the lead of AFC, with the support of Alstom and the Congolese government, the materialization of this project becomes effective through the project company MetroKin.SA”.

Bernard Peille, Managing Director at Alstom for Africa stated: “Through our enhanced presence in the region, Alstom is committed to partnering with MetroKin to support the development of an effective mass urban transit solution for Kinshasa.

We aim to contribute to the city’s development ambitions by leveraging our global expertise and supporting its citizens in their mobility needs.

The project has reached significant milestones, with Alstom joining at a crucial time when detailed technical designs are being finalized.

The combined strengths and shared vision of AFC, Metrokin, and Alstom are set to ensure the successful completion of the development phase by the end of 2024.