The M23 rebel group in eastern DRC has strengthened since emerging in 2012. Despite being expelled in 2013 by the Congolese army and UN forces, M23 has recently regained control of key cities, fueled by weak governance and external military support, particularly from Rwanda. The conflict is exacerbated by historical tensions, resource exploitation, and a lack of decisive international intervention.
The M23 rebel group first emerged in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in 2012, and has since grown significantly stronger. By late 2012, M23 had seized control of large areas in North Kivu, including Goma, and has advanced further with the support of Rwandan troops, recently capturing Bukavu. This resurgence raises questions about what has changed since 2013, when the Congolese army expelled them with the help of UN forces.
The defeat of armed groups does not guarantee lasting peace, as evidenced by M23’s origins in a failed peace agreement from 2009 intended to protect Congo’s Tutsi population. Efforts from the Congolese government to integrate fighters from the disbanded National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP) into the army proved ineffective, leading to fragmentation within military ranks and continued rebellion pursuit.
The Congolese state struggles to assert authority in the volatile eastern region, with accusations against the Kinshasa government for its inadequate response to the ongoing conflict. The armed forces lack resources, are frequently delayed in salary payments, and often resort to extorting the very populace they are designated to protect. This weak state presence fosters a security vacuum, allowing armed groups to fill the gap.
Historically, the conflicts in eastern DRC are intertwined with deep-seated ethnic tensions and political unrest stemming from the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Tensions escalated post-genocide, with Rwandan Tutsis fleeing to eastern Congo, creating instability. The presence of Hutu militias has provided Rwandan President Kagame with justifications to intervene militarily in DRC, augmenting the region’s crisis.
Economically, eastern Congo is rich in minerals like gold and coltan, which are critical for technology. Since the 1990s, these resources have drawn foreign intervention, leading to geopolitical rivalries among regional powers, including Rwanda, Uganda, and Burundi. Control over these resources has fueled long-lasting conflict and served as a catalyst for the involvement of various armed groups.
M23 has reevaluated its strategy in the last four years, exploiting the restrained response from the international community, including UN forces, to regain ground. Former UN mission leader, Martin Kobler, criticized the lack of decisive action from international peacekeepers compared to the past. Concerningly, few global powers have condemned Rwanda’s alleged support for M23, undermining past efforts to deter their resurgence.
Additionally, Rwanda’s manipulation of diplomatic relations has complicated international reactions, influencing some nations to overlook its involvement in DRC. President Kagame’s strategic contributions in other peacekeeping missions keep Rwanda indispensable to the international framework, challenging the unified response necessary for addressing instability in eastern Congo. Experts assert that only under pressure will Rwanda reconsider its influence in the region.
The enduring conflict in eastern DRC is rooted in a mix of failed peace initiatives, ineffective governance, and historical tensions exacerbated by external interventions. The resurgence of M23, encouraged by the absence of a robust international response and resource-driven geopolitics, highlights the need for a reevaluation of strategies to support stability in the region. A concerted approach is essential to pressure Rwanda and promote meaningful dialogue for lasting peace.
Original Source: www.dw.com
