What Larry Madowo Found In Congo After He Went To Check If Trump Had Stopped The War

CNN International correspondent Larry Madowo has cast doubt on former US President Donald Trump’s bold claim that he ended the war in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Madowo traveled to Goma, the epicenter of conflict in Eastern Congo, to see the situation firsthand and what he found was a stark contrast to Trump’s narrative.

In his report, Madowo confirmed that heavy fighting is still ongoing, with M23 rebels maintaining control over key areas in North Kivu. The group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, continues to defy international calls for a ceasefire. Far from being dismantled, the rebels appear organized, entrenched, and determined to push forward with their campaign despite US-brokered peace initiatives.

During exclusive interviews with M23 leaders, Madowo revealed that the rebels do not recognize any deal announced by Washington. On the ground, their grip on Goma is evident — they control roadblocks, tax businesses, and enforce their own rules, creating a parallel authority in defiance of Kinshasa.

The trip also painted a grim picture of daily life for ordinary Congolese caught in the conflict. Displaced families continue to flood makeshift camps, while humanitarian agencies warn of a worsening crisis. 

Local residents expressed frustration with international actors, insisting that pronouncements of “peace” from abroad mean little if the guns have not fallen silent in their villages.

Madowo’s findings directly contradict Trump’s assertion of victory in Congo, instead highlighting a fragile and dangerous situation where foreign influence, regional rivalries, and deep-seated grievances continue to fuel violence.