The mineral-rich eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has long been a hotspot of conflict, with a complex web of historical grievances, ethnic tensions, and geopolitical interests fueling ongoing violence.
Understanding the origins of this turmoil requires a deep dive into the roles played by neighbouring Rwanda, the M23 rebel group, and other influential non-state actors.
Historical Context: The Aftermath of the Rwandan Genocide
The seeds of the current conflict can be traced back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, during which approximately 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were massacred. In the aftermath, a massive influx of refugees, including genocidaires, fled into eastern DRC, exacerbating existing ethnic tensions and destabilising the region.
This migration introduced a volatile mix of armed groups vying with central authorities for dominance and control over the potential wealth of this expansive nation.
This instability had drawn in neighbouring countries, causing devastating consequences – particularly during the 1990s when Rwanda’s military invaded the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) on two occasions, claiming to target individuals involved in the genocide, and collaborated with members of the Banyamulenge as well as various armed factions. The two massive conflicts, known as Africa’s World Wars, led to millions of deaths.
GOMA: The Beautiful Bride
Positioned on the border with Rwanda and adjacent to Lake Kivu, Goma, the city of over a million people, serves as a crucial trading and transport centre, within reach of mining towns that supply highly sought-after metals and minerals such as gold, tin, and coltan, an essential component in mobile phones and electric vehicle batteries.
The rebels claim to have taken control of the city, although the Congolese government claims its forces still occupy some strategic locations.
The Emergence of M23
On March 23, 2009, the Tutsi-led rebel organisation National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP) entered into a peace agreement with the government of the DRC. This 2009 agreement, reached following the detention of CNDP leader General Laurent Nkunda, encompassed terms for releasing prisoners, transitioning the CNDP into a political entity, reintegrating displaced individuals, and incorporating CNDP members into government roles and the Congolese military.
However, these moves faced pushback from the local populace, who perceived CNDP leaders as criminals, with former CNDP soldiers who joined the Congolese army accused of illegal mineral trafficking.
In August 2012, the leadership structure of M23 was established, appointing Bishop Jean-Marie Runiga Lugerero, a past member of the CNDP, as president, while Colonel Sultani Makenga led its military faction.
The M23 was established in 2012 when close to 300 soldiers—most of whom were former members of the CNDP and mainly Tutsis—rebelled against the DRC government, citing inadequate conditions within the army and the government’s reluctance to honour the 23 March 2009 peace agreement.
Shortly after its formation, the M23 swiftly expanded its territory and captured Goma, prompting widespread international condemnation and allegations of war crimes and human rights violations.
The group was compelled to withdraw from Goma and subsequently faced a series of significant defeats by the Congolese army, supported by a multinational force. M23 fighters later agreed to integrate into the army in exchange for assurances that Tutsis would be safeguarded.
However, in 2021, the group resumed its armed struggle, claiming that these promises were not fulfilled.
Rwanda’s Role
Rwanda, which has consistently denied supporting the M23, has been accused by UN experts since 2012 of supporting M23, allegedly providing arms, training, and even direct military assistance. The government of DR Congo has also implicated Rwanda in backing the faction. A recent UN report indicated that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops were fighting alongside the M23.
Following the unveiling of evidence, Rwanda has shifted from denial to justification, saying its involvement in Eastern DRC is intertwined with its security concerns and ethnic affiliations. Kigali insists that the presence of Hutu extremist militias, such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which it labels as “genocidal” in Eastern DRC, poses a direct threat to Rwanda’s security.
It contended that Rwanda was being unfairly blamed and attributed the latest hostilities to the Congolese authorities’ refusal to engage in dialogue with the M23.
The Role of Natural Resources
Eastern DRC has vast mineral wealth, including coltan, wolfram, and cassiterite, which are essential components in modern electronics. This abundance has turned the region into a battleground for various armed groups seeking to control these lucrative resources. The illicit trade of these “blood minerals” has funded rebel activities and attracted foreign interests, further complicating the conflict dynamics.
Indeed, Rwanda is also being accused of exploiting the conflict to benefit from these mineral resources found in Eastern DR Congo, an accusation which it continues to deny.
Current Developments
As of January 2025, the situation in eastern DRC remains dire. M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have intensified their offensives, claiming the capture of the key city of Goma and threatening to march on Kinshasa.
This escalation has led to significant humanitarian crises, with over a million people displaced and critical shortages of essential services reported. The international community has called for ceasefires and negotiations, but a lasting resolution remains elusive.
An Angola-mediated peace process involving Rwanda and DR Congo did produce a ceasefire agreement last year, although it quickly disintegrated and combat resumed.
A summon of the East African Community emergency meeting by Kenya’s President, William Ruto, to bring the two warring leaders together fell through after DRC’s leader Felix Tshisekedi boycotted hours before schedule.
Rwanda waved off South Africa’s attempt to mediate the crisis after President Kagame said the country “had no place in East Africa”.
The conflict in eastern DRC is a multifaceted crisis rooted in historical events, ethnic tensions, and the scramble for natural resources and the involvement of neighbouring countries like Rwanda and the resurgence of groups like M23 have perpetuated instability, making peace a challenging prospect.
