The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been involved in war since 1996. The 1994 Rwanda genocide in which Hutu extremists killed over a million Tutsis and moderate Hutus. Over the years, peace deals have been struck between the two countries to end wars, but due to disagreements, wars have flared up.
The latest war began in March 2022 and has escalated rapidly, with the M23 capturing the city of Goma, in Eastern Congo. International countries are calling for an end as Rwanda is being blamed for supporting the war.
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But what is the DR Congo about, who are the M23, and what is Rwanda’s role?
What is the meaning of M23 in Congo?
The M23 or March 2023 movement or rebellion is an armed group in Northern Kivu province of the DRC, fighting against the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They are allegedly supported by the Rwandan government, claims that its president Paul Kagame has denied.
The M23 named themselves after the 23 March 2009 peace accord between the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), a Tutsi-led rebel group, and the Congolese government. It was first formed in 2012, took over Goma, but then seized it. After, it suffered multiple defeats under the DR Congo forces.
However, it established itself against in 2021, citing that the peace accords were not respected.
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Why are Rwanda and DRC Fighting?
In 2022, Rwanda entered the DRC to support the M23 rebels to fight against Hutu-led extrimists group to protect Tutsis. Although Kagame has refuted claims of funding M23, the United Nations, United States and France, maintain it backs it through logistical support, weapons and even troops. In 2024, the UN said about 4000 Rwandan soldiers fought alongside the M23. Apart from Kagame’s security concerns, many argue that he’s interested in Congo’s minerals.
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Why is Goma being contested?
The Eastern DRC is a mineral-rich country, with cobalt, coltan, gold, and tin, and many factions are interested in controlling these resources. Multiple rebel groups are in the region, engaging in illegal mining and smuggle the minerals out of the country into the global supply chain. Foreign governments are also fighting for the control of these minerals.
Why Does the World Care about the War?
Apart from the humanitarian crisis, many Western governments are fighting for the control of DR Congo’s resources. The United States is looking to enter into deals to gain access, as is France and the United Kingdom. They are looking to counter China’s growing influence in Africa, and Rwanda is seen as being a vehicle to help them achieve their goal in the DRC.
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Why Has the UN Peacekeeping Mission Not Ended the War?
The UN Peacekeeing mission has been in the DRC since 1999. The current group that’s in the country is referred to as MONUSCO, comprised of 10,000 troops. However, only a share of the troop, the Force Intervention Brigade, is allowed to directly fight the rebel groups. In 2013, they defeated the M23 group.
However, locals are frustrated by these groups because of its inability to completely end the war. DR Congo president Felix Tshikedi deemed the mission a failure and directed them to leave the country. However, it was prolonged by a year.
Additionally, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) deployed its military into the region but hasn’t been able to stop the rebel groups.
In Summary
The conflict involving the M23 rebel group, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Rwanda is deeply rooted in historical tensions, ethnic divisions, and geopolitical interests.
The resurgence of M23, a group with alleged ties to Rwanda, has intensified violence in eastern DRC, displacing thousands and straining regional stability. While the DRC accuses Rwanda of backing M23, Rwanda denies involvement, instead blaming the DRC for supporting anti-Rwandan armed groups like the FDLR.
Despite regional and international mediation efforts, lasting peace remains elusive due to unresolved grievances, competition over resources, and deep-seated mistrust. Without a comprehensive political solution, including diplomatic engagement and sustainable conflict resolution strategies, the region is likely to face continued instability and humanitarian crises.
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