Strategic warfare and the fall of Goma: Lessons from Ngara, Ngomajina and Sun Tzu

Once upon a time in a small village in ancient Bwishya, there lived a big guy named Ngara. Ngara was known for his size and strength, but not for his wisdom or patience. His ego was as large as his physique, and he often used his size to intimidate others. One afternoon, a small guy named Ngomajina, who was clever and quick, decided to test Ngara's endurance. Ngomajina, known for his agility rather than his strength, had been observing Ngara for a while. He knew that Ngara's biggest weakness was his uncontrolled rage, especially when provoked. Ngomajina walked up to Ngara, who was lounging under a tree, boasting about his strength to a small crowd of boys. With a naughty smile, Ngomajina walked to Ngara and asked him to stand up and give him space to sit. No one had ever dared such a thing to Ngara. Ngara, not one to let his ego take a hit, stood up in anger, his face turning red. Other boys backed away, sensing the storm brewing. Ngara, in his fury, charged at Ngomajina without any strategy, his eyes blinded by rage. Ngomajina, however, was prepared. He had learned from watching others how to use an opponent's strength against them. As Ngara lunged, Ngomajina sidestepped with the grace of a dancer, and with one well-calculated blow to Ngara's temple, he sent the big bully sprawling to the ground, knocked out cold. The crowd gasped in disbelief, then cheered for Ngomajina. Ngara, when he came back to life, was too embarrassed to speak, his ego bruised more than his head. From that day on, he learned to control his temper, and Ngomajina became a local hero, not just for his physical victory but for teaching a lesson in strategy and humility. The capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group is a modern-day study in the timeless principles of Sun Tzu’s The Art of War and the classic tale of Ngara and Ngomajina. It is a story of strategic brilliance, psychological manipulation, and the catastrophic consequences of ego-driven decision-making. The rebels’ ability to outthink, outmaneuver, and ultimately humiliate the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), their mercenary allies, and regional forces is a stark reminder of how pride and miscalculation can lead to devastating defeat, even for a seemingly bigger force. At the heart of M23’s strategy was a deep understanding of Sun Tzu’s teachings. The rebels did not rely solely on brute force; instead, they employed a combination of psychological warfare, deception, and tactical precision to achieve their objectives. Their approach was a masterclass in the art of strategy, demonstrating how ancient principles can be adapted to modern conflicts. The 48-hour ultimatum was one of the most striking elements of M23’s campaign to capture Goma. By surrounding the city, cutting off supply lines, and demanding that FARDC and their allies disarm and gather in one place, the rebels set the stage for a dramatic and humiliating defeat. They knew they had injured Ngara’s ego and had sent it into a chest thumping rage. On the surface, the ultimatum appeared to be a straightforward demand for surrender. In reality, it was a carefully crafted psychological weapon designed to exploit the ego and pride of FARDC commanders. Sun Tzu famously wrote, “If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.” M23 understood their adversaries all too well. They knew that the commanders of FARDC and their allies were unlikely to capitulate to a group they viewed as inferior. The ultimatum was not just a test of military strength; it was a challenge to their authority, their pride, and their sense of honor. The reaction was predictable. FARDC commanders, unwilling to appear weak or yield to the rebels, dismissed the ultimatum outright. In doing so, they fell into M23’s trap. The rebels had no expectation that their demands would be met; their goal was to provoke a reaction driven by emotion rather than reason. By framing the ultimatum as a direct challenge to the commanders’ ego, M23 ensured that their adversaries would not think soberly or consider the broader implications of their actions. Sun Tzu’s assertion that “all warfare is based on deception” was vividly demonstrated in M23’s campaign. The ultimatum was not merely a psychological ploy; it was also a diversion. While FARDC and their allies focused on maintaining their dignity and resisting the rebels’ demands, they failed to recognize the larger strategic picture. M23’s true objective was not to negotiate but to create confusion, demoralize their opponents, and prepare the ground for a swift and decisive advance. When M23 finally marched into Goma, the result was nothing short of humiliation for FARDC, their mercenary allies, and the regional forces. The sight of soldiers surrendering en masse, abandoning their positions, and fleeing the city was a stark contrast to the bravado displayed just days earlier. Ngomjina had emerged victorious to the cheers of a crowd that never thought Ngara would be put to sleep with a single blow. The fall of Goma was a stark reminder that in war, as in life, pride can be a commander’s greatest weakness and it is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ego in military strategy. Sun Tzu warned that “the greatest victory is that which requires no battle,” and M23’s approach exemplified this wisdom. The lessons of Goma are clear. First, ego and pride have no place in military decision-making. Commanders must be able to set aside their personal feelings and focus on the broader strategic picture. Second, deception is a powerful tool in warfare. By masking their intentions and exploiting their adversaries’ weaknesses, M23 was able to achieve a decisive victory. M23’s ability to translate ancient principles of combat into a modern context is a testament to the timeless nature of strategic thinking. Their success was not just a military victory; it was a demonstration of the power of psychology, deception, and adaptability in warfare. For FARDC and their allies, the fall of Goma should serve as a wake-up call. The defeat was not just a failure of arms but a failure of leadership. In the end, the story of Goma is a story of hubris and humility, of deception and defeat. It is a reminder that in war, as in life, the greatest victories are often won not on the battlefield but in the mind. And for those who fail to learn this lesson, the cost can be devastating.

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Strategic warfare and the fall of Goma: Lessons from Ngara, Ngomajina and Sun Tzu