M23 Rebel Clashes in Eastern Congo Threaten Return to Intense 1990s Conflict

Clashes between the M23 rebel group and Congolese forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have intensified since late 2021, risking a return to the intense conflict of the 1990s wars. The fighting involves dozens of armed groups, long-running ethnic tensions, and at least five national armies.

The M23, a rebel militia accused of war crimes by UN investigators, has doubled the amount of territory under its control since late 2022. The group has surrounded the key hub of Goma, choking off supplies from some of the world's richest deposits of tin ore and coltan minerals. Rwanda is accused of backing the M23, which it denies, but the US and others have called on Rwanda to cease its support.

The conflict has led to a severe displacement crisis, with thousands of Congolese forced to flee their homes and live in miserable conditions in displacement camps. "It's a tragedy," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk during a visit to a camp in Goma. Since the end of 2021, over 738,000 people have been displaced, with women making up 51% of the displaced population.

Why this matters: The escalating violence in eastern DRC threatens to further destabilize the region and exacerbate the humanitarian crisis. With over 120 armed groups fighting for control of the region's rich resources, the conflict risks spiraling out of control and leading to mass killings and displacement on a scale not seen since the 1990s wars.

The DRC accuses Rwanda of deploying about 3,000 troops to eastern Congo and providing the M23 with a flood of arms, including drones and grenade launchers. The conflict is seen as a prime example of Rwandan President Paul Kagame's increasing defiance of Western countries that have poured billions of dollars in aid into Rwanda since the genocide. Despite calls for Kigali to stop fueling the fighting, the EU has agreed to source critical minerals from Rwanda.

The humanitarian situation in Goma is dire, with the city already overstretched and lacking adequate resources to support the influx of displaced people. Residents express frustration that humanitarian support arrives slowly, if at all, despite visits and appeals by international officials. As the M23 continues to gain ground and the Congolese government refuses to negotiate, the prospects for a peaceful resolution remain uncertain.

Key Takeaways

• Clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese forces in eastern DRC have intensified.
• M23 has doubled its territory, surrounding Goma and disrupting mineral supply chains.
• Rwanda accused of backing M23, despite denials, leading to calls to cease support.
• Conflict has caused severe displacement crisis, with over 738,000 people displaced.
• Prospects for peaceful resolution remain uncertain as M23 gains ground and DRC refuses to negotiate.