The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have captured Goma and are advancing toward Bukavu, creating a humanitarian crisis and threatening stability in the DRC. This escalation of conflict underscores the longstanding tensions between Rwanda and the DRC over territorial control and valuable resources. Potential outcomes could range from regional warfare to a negotiated peace agreement.
On January 26, M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, seized Goma, the capital of East Kivu, gaining control over significant mining areas in North and South Kivu. Following the retreat of Congolese forces and a humanitarian ceasefire, M23 advanced toward Bukavu, deepening a longstanding crisis that threatens to destabilize the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) further.
The M23 rebel group re-emerged recently, fueled by Rwandan support, and has a history dating back to a Congolese Tutsi-led rebellion in the mid-1990s. The current conflict escalated due to longstanding diplomatic and economic tensions between the Congolese government and Rwanda. The DRC has struggled to maintain stability in its eastern regions, leading to significant displacement and humanitarian challenges.
The situation in Eastern Congo remains precarious, with potential scenarios including a regional war, a prolonged status quo with localized fighting, or a negotiated peace. The inability of the Congolese government to assert control has not only heightened regional tensions but also led to public dissatisfaction within the DRC, questioning the effectiveness of President Tshisekedi’s leadership.
Original Source: credendo.com
