The conflict in eastern Congo has intensified with the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, reviving age-old ethnic tensions and struggles over mineral wealth. A recent discussion highlighted the humanitarian crisis stemming from the conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and displaced many. Motivations encompass both ethnic grievances and economic interests related to Congo’s mineral resources, complicating prospects for resolution amidst internal and external challenges.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo has intensified due to the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, reigniting ethnic rivalries and disputes over mineral resources. Jim Lindsay hosted a discussion with Mvemba Phezo Dizolele, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. They examined the complexities of the renewed fighting, including the humanitarian crisis and the geopolitical interests driving the violence.
The M23 group has recently captured Goma and Bukavu, the largest cities in eastern Congo, which has led to a severe humanitarian crisis. Rwanda has facilitated and armed M23, deploying approximately 3,000 to 4,000 troops in its assault. Mvemba noted, “About two million Hutu Rwandans fled into Congo after the genocide, among them the entire Rwandan army with its arsenal.” Since 1996, the conflict has resulted in approximately six million deaths, with the recently escalated violence claiming 7,000 lives in just the current year and displacing over 600,000 individuals, raising the specter of famine for millions.
Motivations for the conflict are not solely ethnic; substantial economic interests also contribute significantly. M23 emerged in 2012, alleging government collusion with Hutu-led FDLR groups against Tutsi interests. Eastern Congo is abundant in crucial minerals like cobalt and coltan, vital for global industries. Mvemba stated, “there is a war economy on both sides of the border.” Rwanda’s extraction of these resources has been highlighted, with the EU reconsidering a mineral trade deal amidst allegations linking many exports to Congo’s plundered assets. Furthermore, China’s investments in Congo’s mining sector complicate the situation.
Efforts to resolve the conflict through political or military means have been ineffective. The Congolese government struggles to address numerous internal challenges and has abandoned previous reconciliation initiatives. The United Nations peacekeeping mission has proven inadequate in curbing the resurgence of M23. With divisions in regional communities, mediation attempts are hindered. Moreover, M23 lacks local support within Congo, differentiating its current circumstances from earlier successful campaigns. Mvemba observed, “The M23 is primarily seen as a Tutsi group, Rwanda-backed… and they have no allies inside Congo to help them this time.” With over a hundred armed factions present and insufficient international intervention, the prospect for lasting peace remains dim.
The conflict in eastern Congo, fueled by ethnic tensions and resource competition, continues to escalate, primarily driven by the M23 rebel group and its Rwandan backing. Despite the initiation of various initiatives from both regional powers and international entities, sustainable resolutions appear elusive due to complex local dynamics and geopolitical interests. Humanitarian concerns grow as violence proliferates, demanding urgent attention and action from the global community.
Original Source: www.cfr.org
