DRC Crisis Deepens:
Violent clashes between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) army and Rwandan-backed M23 Tutsi-led rebels in eastern Congo have escalated, resulting in numerous casualties and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. The prolonged conflict raises the risk of a full-scale war between Congo and Rwanda, potentially drawing in neighboring countries and regional forces.
What is the M23?
The M23, named after the March 23 date of a 2009 accord that ended a previous Tutsi-led revolt in eastern Congo, represents the latest in a series of ethnic Tutsi-led insurgent groups challenging Congolese forces. The group accuses the Congolese government of not fully implementing a peace deal to integrate Congolese Tutsis into the army and administration. It vows to defend Tutsi interests, particularly against ethnic Hutu militias, such as the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), founded by Hutus who fled Rwanda after participating in the 1994 genocide.
What Triggered the Latest Revolt?
In 2012 and 2013, M23 seized significant parts of eastern Congo and entered the strategic economic hub of Goma before being expelled by Congolese and U.N. forces into Uganda and Rwanda. In March 2022, the group launched a series of attacks and captured large areas in eastern Congo, citing defensive responses to FDLR attacks, allegedly collaborating with the Congolese army, a claim denied by the army.
Rwanda’s Involvement:
Rwanda has faced accusations from the DRC, U.N. officials, and Western powers, including the U.S. and Belgium, for supporting M23 with arms and soldiers, despite Rwanda’s denials. Both Rwanda and Uganda have a history of military intervention in Congo. The U.S. has called on Rwanda to withdraw its military personnel from Congo.
Regional Forces Involved:
Ceasefires brokered in 2022 and 2023 have failed to quell the conflict. Frustrated by the ineffectiveness of regional troops, Congo terminated the mandate of the regional force, leading to its withdrawal in December. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) approved a military mission in May, with South Africa contributing 2,900 troops. South Africa reported casualties, indicating the challenges faced by regional forces in addressing the complex conflict dynamics in eastern Congo.
