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Civil war has erupted in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where the M23 rebels have captured key towns, including Goma, a major regional center. According to credible reports, over 100 people have lost their lives since the conflict erupted.
The Kicker: Why is there a Civil War in DRC?
President Félix Tshisekedi has accused Rwanda of backing the rebels—an allegation President Paul Kagame has vehemently denied. Kagame has criticized the East African Community (EAC) for its apparent inability to resolve the escalating crisis.
Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame lectures the East African Community! pic.twitter.com/cH9lsszhZ8
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) January 30, 2025
Why is M23 Fighting the Government?
The M23 rebels, believed to be Congolese militants, reportedly had an agreement with former President Joseph Kabila to be integrated into the national army. However, when Tshisekedi took office, he allegedly refused to honor the deal, leading to renewed conflict.
Tshisekedi has insisted that the #M23 rebels originate from Rwanda, though scholars argue that the FLDR—composed of former Rwandan fighters and linked to the 1994 genocide—is the true Rwandan faction, fighting alongside the Congolese army against M23.
Who are the M23 Really?
According to the M23’s spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23 rebels are defending the Tutsi ethnic group, which has its exotic roots in Rwanda.
When the Tutsi were persecuted by the Hutus back in 1994, their attackers, the Hutus, fled into Northern Kivu in DRC. The Tutsi then followed in retaliation, and some of them later became the M23 rebels. Rwandan President Kagame has accused the Congolese government of protecting the Hutus.
According to the M23, they blame President Tshisekedi for persecuting the Tutsis and blame the Congolese government of ‘ethnic cleansing’.
Watch the documentary ‘DRC: The Never-Ending War‘ by Arte.tv below for more on the conflict.
Is Rwanda Supporting the M23 Rebels?
Despite its constant denial, it is very likely that Rwanda is supporting the M23 rebels militarily. The UN and humanitarian organizations such as Human Rights Watch have affirmed Rwanda’s support for the M23, citing the country’s interest in both the welfare of the Tutsis and also in Northern Kivu’s rich mineral resources.
Attack on the Kenyan Embassy in Congo:
Following M23’s capture of Goma, violent protests erupted in Kinshasa, with demonstrators condemning the atrocities inflicted on their fellow citizens. The protests turned into attacks on foreign embassies, including those of Kenya, France, and Uganda, which were vandalized and looted.
PLO Lumumba explains why there is War in DRC Congo! pic.twitter.com/3RPk61Y7Ew
— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) January 30, 2025
The EAC’s Role in Negotiating Peace in Congo:
Kenyan President William Ruto, as EAC chairman, called for an emergency meeting with regional leaders, including Kagame and Tshisekedi. However, Tshisekedi declined to attend, citing scheduling conflicts.
Are Mineral Interests to Blame?
Discussions about the war’s root causes frequently highlight mineral wealth. The DRC is rich in resources like gold, coal, and oil, and foreign entities are suspected of fueling conflict to exploit these reserves.
M23 Corners European Mercenaries:
On January 29, 2025, the M23 rebels cornered over 200 European mercenaries fighting against them.
On being cornered, the mercenaries—reportedly hired by Tshisekedi’s government—are said to have given themselves up to the UN Peacekeeping mission for transportation back home via Rwanda.
They were disarmed and left by the rebels at the Rwandan border, with some injured. Their fate remains uncertain.
????BREAKING:
Over 200 European mercenaries who supported the DRC in fighting M23 rebels have arrived in Rwanda.
They are set to depart from Kigali International Airport to return to their home countries. #RBANews pic.twitter.com/bf9VuDuoC4
— Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) (@rbarwanda) January 29, 2025
Ruto’s Intentions?
Ruto’s decision to consult French President Emmanuel Macron about #Congo’s crisis has drawn criticism, with analysts arguing that African leaders should prioritize “African solutions to African problems.”
Kenyan Gen-Z activists on X have also accused Ruto of exploiting the DRC’s conflict for personal gain.
The world’s second most corrupt leader met controversial US lawmakers and a South Sudanese thug at State House, Nairobi.
Normally when Senators meet the president, they’re accompanied by the US ambassador like when @ChrisCoons visited Kenya in 2023.
So these look like thugs or… pic.twitter.com/XeZgCmNRgE
— Francis Gaitho (@FGaitho237) January 18, 2025
They highlight his ties to corrupt foreign officials and alleged involvement in illicit gold trading, which casts doubt on his role as a peace negotiator.
