The capture of Goma by the M23 rebel group marks an alarming escalation in the crisis facing the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Confusion over the nature and agenda of the rebel group, as well as other regional actors, makes analysis – let alone policy responses – difficult. This roundtable sought to help clarify what is known about the situation, and offered some practical suggestions for what kind of responses might be most appropriate, or indeed counterproductive.