Why in news
The M23 militia, backed by Rwanda, captured the city of Goma in eastern DRC.
The fighting, which began in January 2025, has resulted in 2,900+ deaths, 7,00,000 displaced, and widespread injuries.
The conflict has now spread to the south, with rebels aiming for Bukavu in South Kivu province.
History of the Region
Ethnic tensions between Hutus and Tutsis date back to colonial times.
Under Belgian and German rule, the Tutsis were favored, creating resentment among the Hutus, leading to violent conflicts.
After Rwanda’s independence in 1962, the Hutus came to power, which led to repression of Tutsis and migration of thousands to neighboring countries.
The Rwandan Genocide 1994
The Rwandan Civil War and the assassination of President Habyarimana led to the genocide, where nearly 8,00,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed over 100 days.
The genocide ended when the Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) took control of the country.
Aftermath of the Genocide
After the genocide, 2 million Hutus, including perpetrators, fled to eastern DRC (then Zaire).
This contributed to the formation of armed groups like FDLR and M23.
Rwanda’s invasions of Congo in 1996 and 1998 led to two brutal wars.
The Second Congo War involved nine countries and 25 armed groups, killing around 5 million people.
The conflict ended in 2003 but left the region in turmoil.
The M23 Rebels
The M23 formed in 2012 after a peace agreement failed to be implemented.
It was led by Sultani Makenga and based in North Kivu.
The group initially aimed to protect Tutsis but was later accused of war crimes by the UN.
The M23 resurfaced in 2022, citing unmet promises from the DRC government.
Is the Conflict Only Ethnic?
Ethnic conflict between Hutus and Tutsis is central but not the only cause.
The region is rich in minerals like Coltan, used in electronic devices.
The DRC controls nearly 40% of the global supply of Coltan, which is highly sought after, contributing to the conflict.
Regional Responses to the Crisis
DRC President Felix Tshisekedi condemned the capture of Goma as an act of war.
Rwanda President Kagame has not directly admitted Rwanda’s involvement but has hinted at M23’s legitimacy, citing the need to protect Tutsis and prevent civil war spillover.
Burundi, a Hutu-majority country, has warned Rwanda against M23’s advances, fearing it could lead to war in Burundi.
Uganda supports Congolese troops in targeting militants tied to the Islamic State but also allows M23 to use its territory as a base.
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