Conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo faces ongoing civil conflicts, with the latest being the advance of the rebel coalition M23, capturing the mineral-rich city of Goma.
Background of M23
- M23 is named after a failed peace agreement signed on March 23, 2009, between a Tutsi-led rebel group and the Congolese government.
- The group claims to protect the rights of Congo's Tutsi ethnic minority.
Current Conflict Dynamics
- Neighbouring Rwanda, under a Tutsi-led government, is accused by Congo and UN experts of backing M23.
- In 2012, M23 seized Goma, but withdrew after international pressure on Rwanda.
- M23 rebels had previously agreed to join the Congolese army for state protection of Tutsis but resumed fighting in 2021.
Recent Developments
- Recently, Goma fell again to M23, prompting Rwandan President Paul Kagame to call for a ceasefire.
- Congo has termed the fall of Goma as "a declaration of war" and plans a "vigorous military response".
Historical Context
- The crisis traces back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide where about 800,000, mostly Tutsis, were killed by Hutu militias.
- After the genocide, many Hutus fled to Congo, leading local Tutsis to arm themselves in defense.
- Rwanda has historically made military incursions into Congo, citing the presence of genocide-linked groups.
Rwanda's Position
- Rwanda has grown stronger since 2012 with a modernized economy and disciplined military under President Kagame, a former guerrilla leader.
- It has developed close ties with Western countries, which view Kagame as a stabilizing force in the region.
Implications and Recommendations
- The conflict underscores Congo's vulnerabilities and Rwanda's insecurities and ambitions, as well as unresolved ethnic tensions in the region.
- The international community is urged to pressure Kagame to control the rebels.
- Congo should address genocide-linked groups within its borders and gain the trust of Tutsi minorities for lasting peace.