Violence has ramped up in eastern Congo as the army clashes with Rwandan-backed M23 Tutsi-led rebels, resulting in numerous deaths and displacement of hundreds of thousands of people. This has heightened the risk of a full-scale conflict between Congo and Rwanda, potentially drawing in neighboring countries and regional forces such as South Africa, Burundi, Uganda, Tanzania, and Malawi.
In response to deteriorating security in the east, residents in Kinshasa and Goma have taken to the streets to protest, accusing the international community of not holding Rwanda accountable for supporting the rebels.
The M23, named after the 2009 accord that ended a previous Tutsi-led revolt in eastern Congo, is the latest in a series of ethnic Tutsi-led insurgent groups. The group claims that the government of Congo has not upheld the peace deal to fully integrate Congolese Tutsis into the army and administration.
Originating from ethnic Tutsi grievances, specifically in opposition to ethnic Hutu militias like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), the M23 rebels have been advancing toward Goma, their eyes set on capturing the city, which would mark a significant military gain.
The latest revolt was sparked in 2012 and 2013, when M23 seized parts of eastern Congo and entered Goma before being driven out by Congolese and U.N. forces. In March 2022, the group launched attacks, citing defensive measures against FDLR attacks with alleged collaboration from the Congolese army, an accusation denied by the Congolese army.
Rwanda has been accused by multiple parties, including the government of Congo, U.N. officials, and Western powers, of supporting M23 with arms and soldiers, despite Rwanda’s repeated denials. The U.S. has urged Rwanda to withdraw its military personnel from Congo and remove surface-to-air missile systems.
Fighting has persisted despite numerous ceasefires brokered by regional leaders and the United States. After Congo ended the mandate of regional peacekeepers, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) approved a military mission for eastern Congo to address instability and combat armed groups, with troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania offering support.
South Africa has pledged to contribute 2,900 troops and reported casualties among its soldiers during operations in eastern Congo.
(Reporting by Ange Kasongo; Writing by Bate Felix, editing by Silvia Aloisi and Nick Macfie)
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