Context:

·        The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing a major crisis after the M23 rebel group, reportedly supported by Rwanda, captured Goma. This city, rich in minerals, lies on the border between the two countries.

·        Since the fighting began in January 2025, over 2,900 people have died, and nearly 700,000 have been displaced, according to the UN. The conflict is now spreading toward Bukavu, another important city in eastern DRC.

Reasons behind the Conflict

·        While ethnic tensions between Hutus and Tutsis are a major cause, competition over minerals is also driving the conflict.

·        Eastern DRC is rich in Coltan, a mineral used in smartphones and other electronics.

·        The DRC holds about 40% of the world’s Coltan supply. Controlling cities like Goma helps M23 gain access to these valuable resources.

Historical Background

·        Tensions between the Hutus and Tutsis date back to colonial rule when European powers favored the Tutsis, giving them administrative roles. This created resentment among the Hutus, who took power in a 1959 revolution, forcing many Tutsis to flee.

·        In 1994, the assassination of Rwanda’s Hutu President Juvénal Habyarimana triggered a genocide in which Hutu extremists killed around 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus. The killings stopped when the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), led by Paul Kagame, took control of Rwanda. Kagame has remained in power since 2000.

·        After the genocide, around two million Hutus, including those responsible for the killings, fled to eastern DRC. The region is now home to over 120 armed groups, including the Hutu-led Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) and the M23, which claims to represent the Tutsi community.

Who Are the M23 Rebels?

·        The M23 rebel group was formed in 2012 by former soldiers who had been part of another rebel group, the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP). In 2009, the DRC government had promised to integrate CNDP fighters into its army, but when this did not happen, the M23 was created.

·        M23 first captured Goma in 2012 but withdrew after a peace agreement. In 2022, they resurfaced, claiming that the government had not kept its promises. The UN has accused them of committing war crimes.

Conclusion

·        The crisis in eastern DRC is a result of deep-rooted ethnic conflicts and economic rivalries. While historical tensions between Hutus and Tutsis remain a driving force, competition over valuable minerals has intensified the conflict.

·        The situation remains volatile, with regional actors taking different stances. Without a comprehensive peace effort, the fighting is likely to continue, further destabilizing the region.