The Battle for Control in the DRC

February 3rd, 2025

Dhruv Arun

The ongoing violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been getting worse in recent weeks, with the M23 rebel group making major advances in the eastern region of the country. The group, led by ethnic Tutsis, has already taken control of several important areas, including Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. This recent escalation is part of a much larger conflict that has been going on for decades, fueled by struggles over power, identity, and control of valuable resources in the region.

The roots of the M23 rebellion go back to the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. When the Tutsi-led government came into power in Rwanda, around one million ethnic Hutus fled to neighboring countries, including the DRC. This mass displacement made ethnic tensions even worse, especially in the eastern DRC, where a minority group of Tutsis called the Banyamulenge were increasingly threatened by Hutu militias like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR.) These groups have been fighting each other for control of the region for years, making the situation more complicated and dangerous.

The M23 group takes its name from the March 23, 2009 peace agreement, which ended a previous Tutsi-led revolt in eastern Congo. The group claims that the Congolese government failed to uphold promises made in that deal, particularly integrating Tutsis into the national army and government. M23 has also vowed to protect the Tutsi population from threats like the FDLR. In recent months, the M23 has seized control of important mining regions, especially those rich in coltan, a mineral used in the production of electronics like smartphones. These victories have given M23 both more territory and financial resources to continue their fight.

Rwanda's involvement in the conflict has further complicated the situation. The DRC, the United Nations, and Western countries have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels with weapons, supplies, and even troops. Rwanda denies these accusations, claiming it is only defending its borders from the FDLR, which has also attacked Tutsis in Rwanda. The history of military interventions between Rwanda and the DRC adds to the tension, as Rwanda and Uganda invaded the DRC in the late 1990s, claiming they were fighting militia groups and seeking justice for the Rwandan genocide.

The humanitarian crisis in the DRC is worsening. The United Nations has warned that the situation in Goma, where the M23 recently gained control, is catastrophic. There are widespread shortages of food and water, and many hospitals are overwhelmed by the number of casualties. Over one million people have been displaced since the violence intensified, and the UN peacekeeping mission, MONUSCO, has been unable to stop the rebels' advance.

As the M23 rebels push south into South Kivu province, there are growing fears that the conflict could spread beyond the DRC’s borders, dragging neighboring countries into a larger regional war. The involvement of Rwandan and Burundian troops on the ground has already raised concerns. The situation reminds many of the violent regional wars of the late 1990s and early 2000s, when millions of lives were lost in battles over resources and political power.

International responses have been mixed. Some critics argue that Rwanda is using the conflict to exploit the DRC’s mineral wealth, particularly coltan, which is essential for electronics. Rwanda denies these allegations, while the DRC government insists that Rwanda is using the situation for financial gain. As the fighting continues, the United Nations and other international bodies are under pressure to help bring about a peace agreement.

The future of the DRC remains uncertain as the M23 rebels continue to challenge the government’s control. With foreign involvement, ethnic tensions, and the desire to control valuable resources all fueling the conflict, the situation is extremely complicated. The international community needs to work together to find a lasting solution before the conflict spirals further out of control.