What is happening in the DRC?

Current Situation:

• M23 militia, backed by Rwanda, captures Goma: The DRC’s mineral-rich city of Goma, located near the Rwanda border, was captured by the M23 militia in early 2025.
• Casualties and Displacement: UN estimates state that over 2,900 people have died, 700,000 displaced, and many others injured since January 2025 due to escalating violence.
• M23’s Advances: The militia has now set its sights on Bukavu, another resource-rich area, as conflict spreads south.

Relevance : GS 2(International Relations )

Historical Context of the Region:

• Ethnic Conflicts Between Hutus and Tutsis: The region’s strife began during the colonial era under Belgian rule, where the Tutsi minority held power, leading to resentment from the Hutu majority.
• The 1959 Hutu Revolution and Rwanda’s Independence: The Hutu revolution, which resulted in the deaths of 20,000 Tutsis, led to a shift in power and the eventual independence of Rwanda in 1962.
• The Rwandan Genocide (1994): Sparked by the assassination of President Habyarimana, the genocide saw the systematic slaughter of Tutsis and moderate Hutus, claiming around 800,000 lives in 100 days.

Aftermath of the Genocide:

• Hutu Refugees in DRC: Post-genocide, millions of Hutus, including perpetrators of the violence, fled to DRC, leading to the formation of several armed groups, including the M23.
• Invasions by Rwanda in 1996 and 1998: Rwanda invaded DRC twice, citing the need to protect Tutsi interests, triggering the First and Second Congo Wars, which caused massive regional instability.
• The Second Congo War (1998-2003): Known as Africa’s World War, it involved nine nations and 25 armed groups, resulting in 5 million deaths.

The M23 Militia:

• Formation and Goals: M23, formed in 2012, emerged from a breakaway faction of the Congolese Army (CNDP). The group’s stated aim is to protect Tutsis, and it has a history of capturing Goma.
• Renewed Activity: The M23 resurfaced in 2022, citing unmet promises from the DRC government, and is accused of war crimes by the UN.
• Leadership: The militia is led by Sultani Makenga and is primarily based in the North Kivu province.

Ethnic Strife vs. Resource Wealth:

• Ethnic Tensions: While ethnic strife between Hutus and Tutsis plays a role, the DRC’s vast mineral resources are central to the conflict.
• Coltan as a Key Resource: The DRC is a significant global source of Coltan, a crucial mineral for electronic devices, which is a major factor in the region’s appeal for both armed groups and nations.

Responses to the Crisis:

• DRC’s President Tshisekedi’s Statement: DRC President Felix Tshisekedi termed the capture of Goma as “an act of war” and faces political challenges due to the loss.
• Rwanda’s Role and Kagame’s Stance: Rwandan President Paul Kagame has not directly admitted Rwanda’s support for M23 but has suggested that the group’s actions represent legitimate Tutsi interests.
• Burundi’s Warnings: Burundi, with its own tensions with Rwanda, has expressed concern over M23’s advance, warning that further conquest could lead to broader regional war.
• Uganda’s Position: Uganda takes a middle ground by assisting Congolese troops against militants linked to ISIS while indirectly allowing M23 to use Ugandan territory.