Goma, the capital of North Kivu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has fallen to the rebel group M23. The rapid fall of the city is a dangerous turning of the conflict that has drawn international alarm and worsened the humanitarian situation in the area.

The M23 rebels, one of over a hundred armed groups operating in eastern DR Congo, declared victory after taking control of Goma. The political wing of the group, Alliance Fleuve Congo, announced what they termed the “liberation” of the city, calling on residents to remain calm. Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for M23, confirmed in a statement that the situation was under control. He also warned government troops, ordering their immediate surrender. The rebels told soldiers of the Congolese army, FARDC, to turn themselves in to MONUSCO, the United Nations peacekeeping force, or face the consequences.

After this ultimatum, photos circulated on social media showing Congolese soldiers handing over their weapons to MONUSCO forces, proof that the rebels were closing in fast. The fall of Goma has sparked global condemnation, with international organizations calling for an end to hostilities and protection for civilians caught in the crossfire.

The European Union has warned of grave implications for regional stability if the situation is allowed to get out of hand. The United Nations is concerned, too: its humanitarian agency reports a massive exodus of civilians. Thousands have fled their homes, taking shelter in grossly overcrowded camps with limited access to food, clean water, and medical assistance. Aid agencies are struggling to respond as the crisis escalates by the day.

Human rights organizations are sounding the alarm over reports of forced recruitment and violent attacks on civilians. The UN Human Rights Council highlighted alarming testimony of abuses and called on all armed groups to respect international law and ensure protection for non-combatants.

The Congolese government has strongly condemned the takeover of Goma, accusing neighboring Rwanda of supporting M23-an accusation which Rwanda has time and again denied. Tension between the two countries mounted as Kinshasa recalled its diplomats from Kigali over the weekend. Regional leaders joined international mediators under increasing pressure to step in and stop the conflict getting completely out of control.

The M23 rebels, condemned by the international community, called for calm, vowing that they will keep the city stable, yet the future for Goma remains clouded. And a longer occupation could deepen this crisis further, amidst fears over more displacements of people, more abuses in human rights, and ongoing clashes between armed men. Indeed, the next several days are going to be crucial if a peaceful resolution is to take place or this region is in for a long, unrestful period of time.

As the whole world is watching, eastern DR Congo is still fragile; thousands displaced and strained diplomatic relations-all eyes are now on regional leaders and global powers to take firm action to bring the violence to an end and sort out long-burning issues causing the conflict.