Rwanda-Supported Rebels Gain Ground in DRC

Bukavu, DRC —(Map)

On Sunday, the M23 rebel group took control of another important city in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The fighting in the area has forced many people from their homes. Some people worry the growing violence could lead to a larger war.

The DRC is a huge country in Central Africa. For decades, there has been fighting in the eastern part of the country, which shares a border with Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda, and Tanzania. This part of the DRC is also rich in metals, like gold, and valuable minerals such as coltan. Coltan is used in making electronics.

A Long History of Fighting

Much of the fighting in this part of Africa is related to different “ethnic groups” – people with different histories and backgrounds. In the 1990s, there was terrible violence between two groups – the Hutus and the Tutsis. The Hutus are the larger group. In 1994, Hutus in Rwanda killed around 800,000 Tutsis. This is considered a genocide.

The genocide ended when Tutsi rebels, led by Paul Kagame, violently took control of Rwanda. Roughly a million Hutus left, running into the DRC. For years afterward in the eastern DRC, there was terrible fighting, including two large wars involving several African nations.

Even after the larger wars ended, there were still many rebel groups (some were Tutsis and some were Hutus), and fighting continued. Rwanda, led by Mr. Kagame, who had become its president, played a big part in supporting some Tutsi rebel groups inside the DRC. In 2009, a peace agreement was signed between the DRC and a large Tutsi rebel group.

Paul Kagame led the Tutsi group which ended the Rwandan genocide. He has been president of Rwanda for 25 years. For much of that time, Rwanda has been supporting Tutsi rebel groups in the DRC. Above, Mr. Kagame speaking in January.

The Rebel Group M23 Appears

In 2012, the Tutsi rebel group M23 appeared. The group claimed it was fighting to protect Tutsis. But the United Nations (UN) reported that the group was created and directed by Rwanda. The group took the city of Goma, but was soon driven out of the country.

Several years later, M23 came back. In 2022, the group took an important border town called Bunagana. Attempts to bring peace failed.

In 2012, the Tutsi rebel group M23 appeared. The group claimed it was fighting to protect Tutsis. But the United Nations reported that the group was created and directed by Rwanda. Above, M23 leader Colonel Sultani Makenga (right) in 2012.

M23’s Recent Attacks

Over the last month or so, M23 has increased its attacks. It took control of several important border towns. Then, it surrounded and took control of Goma. About a million people live in Goma. It’s an important city for trading valuable products from nearby mines. On Sunday, the group captured Bukavu, another important city on the border.

M23 has a history of being extremely violent. The DRC government considers them a terrorist organization. Over 500,000 people have been forced from their homes because of M23’s recent attacks.

Over the last month or so, M23 has taken control of several important border towns and cities. M23 has a history of being extremely violent. Over 500,000 people have been forced from their homes because of M23’s recent attacks. Above, people returning to their villages from Goma by foot last Wednesday.

How Is Rwanda Involved?

The UN and many countries, including the US and France, say that Rwanda is helping and guiding M23. As many as 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are believed to be taking part in the fighting. Rwanda has not admitted this.

Importantly, M23 has also taken control of a number of mining areas. The UN reports that M23 is sending huge amounts of valuable minerals to Rwanda every month. Rwanda denies this.

There have been many, many efforts to find a peaceful solution in eastern DRC. So far, none have worked. Now, many people are worried that the situation could again grow into a larger war.