The situation
At least, 700 people have been killed in the crisis between M23 rebels and Congolese forces. The militia taken full control of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC. The devastating conflict has left 2880 people injured and 300,000 displaced, according to the spokesman of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Stéphane Dujaric, in a news briefing. This is a casualty accounted for since the escalation of the crisis when the rebels took over the city. A crisis that has worsen the fragile humanitarian situation of the region.
Who are M23 rebels?
M23, short for the March 23 Movement, is a rebel Tutsi-led fraction deriving its name from the e accord of 23rd March 2009, which ended the previous Tutsi-led revolt in the region. It has since been in conflict with the government of the DRC for decades over dispute of power ethnic and control of mineral resources. Meanwhile, in 2012, the M23 first gained international attention when it briefly seized Goma with little resistance before withdrawing its militia after 10 days. This withdrawal was subject to a peace agreement. In 2022, the group resurfaced again with intensity in its rebellion against the Congolese forces. And here we are in 2025!
Why Rwanda?
For some years, the rebels have maintained control of Rubaya coltan mining area. Coltan is an essential mineral in the production of electronics. This control of this area earn them around $800,000 monthly, resulting from taxation, transportation and imposed levies on miners.
There have been accusations of the smuggling of the minerals into Rwanda. In 2022, there were direct accusations that the Rwandan government was aiding the militia. The US expert insisted that there are solid evidence that more than 3000 Rwandan government forces were on the DRC territory with the rebels. However, the Rwanda government has denied these claims, affirming it has no information any of his troop are in DRC territory as he does not interfere in the dispute.
Way forward – a cease fire agreed!
The conflict has displaced over 300,000 people and this has escalated the humanitarian crisis in the region. Meanwhile, the South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, on Monday calls for a ceasefire and withdrawal of external forces from the region. Owing to this growing devastating situation, the Congo River Alliance – a coalition for rebel groups – have called for ceasefire. This is to allow humanitarian aids to reach the affected people. The alliance further stated that they have no plan to advance further. No plan to seize more territories like Bukavu, the south Kivu provincial capital.
