The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has once again brought accusations against Rwanda, with overwhelming evidence pointing to its support for the M23 rebel group. As M23 fighters have taken control of much of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, anger among Congolese citizens has erupted, leading to protests and the burning of Rwandan symbols.
Despite Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s repeated denials, a group of UN experts has presented compelling evidence that the Rwandan army is in “de facto control” of M23 operations. The UN report details how Rwandan forces have provided training, weapons, and strategic support to M23 fighters, allowing them to advance with high-tech weaponry, including Israeli-made anti-tank guided missiles. Testimonies from captured fighters describe Rwandan soldiers as “Friendly Forces,” with estimates suggesting that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops are present in DR Congo.
The strategic importance of Goma lies in its position near the Rwandan border and its role as a humanitarian and trade hub. While the UN peacekeeping mission in the region is not mandated to launch offensive operations, both East African and Southern African regional forces deployed in recent years have failed to curb M23’s growing influence. The rebels, now estimated to number around 3,000, have strengthened their control over key areas, including the coltan-rich town of Rubaya, generating approximately $800,000 per month in revenue.
M23’s resurgence in 2021 has been linked to Kagame’s long-standing concerns over the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a Hutu militia that includes individuals responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Kagame has argued that the presence of this group in eastern DR Congo presents an existential threat to Rwanda’s security. Despite calls for cooperation between the Congolese and Rwandan armies to tackle the FDLR, relations between the two nations have deteriorated.
Further complicating the situation, Uganda has also been accused of supporting M23, allegedly providing weapons and allowing cross-border movements of rebel fighters. However, Uganda has denied these allegations. Meanwhile, Kagame has dismissed the UN’s findings, claiming that they focus on “imaginary problems” while ignoring the real security threats in the region.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the East African Community, currently led by Kenyan President William Ruto, is attempting mediation. However, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has refused to attend emergency peace talks, signaling that the conflict remains far from resolution. With fighting intensifying, the humanitarian crisis in eastern DR Congo is worsening, leaving millions caught in the crossfire of geopolitical power struggles.
