The city of Goma, a crucial hub in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), has once again fallen into the hands of the M23 rebel group, which is widely believed to have support from Rwanda. This latest development deepens an already dire humanitarian crisis, with the DRC now second only to Sudan in terms of internal displacement. Currently, approximately 1.5 million civilians remain trapped in Goma, many of whom have already endured years of displacement due to ongoing conflict. The situation has also resulted in casualties among United Nations peacekeepers and Southern African Development Community (SADC) forces, underscoring the severity of the crisis. However, while the immediate consequences are clear, the underlying causes of the conflict are far more complex, shaped by regional rivalries, economic incentives, and political maneuvering.
The Origins and Evolution of M23
The March 23 Movement (M23) is a rebel group operating in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, primarily in the North Kivu province. Formed in 2012, M23 has its roots in the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), a Tutsi-led militia that was integrated into the Congolese army following a 2009 peace agreement. The group derives its name from the date of this agreement, March 23, which they claim the DRC government failed to honour, leading to their rebellion. In November 2012, M23 captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, marking a significant escalation in their insurgency. However, international pressure and a robust counteroffensive by the Congolese army, supported by United Nations forces, led to M23’s withdrawal from Goma in December 2012. By November 2013, the group was militarily defeated, and its members fled to neighbouring countries. After nearly a decade of dormancy, M23 resurfaced in late 2021. The rebel group has steadily expanded its territorial control, making significant advances across the province. In the areas it has seized, M23 has set up parallel administrations, consolidating its influence and political and territorial control, further undermining the authority of the Congolese government. Since late January 2025, the M23-controlled territory has spanned approximately 7,800 square kilometres, encompassing Rutshuru, Nyiragongo, and the majority of Masisi. Sake, the final stronghold before Goma, collapsed around January 21. On January 24, the group took Minova in the Kalehe area (South Kivu).
Why M23 Has Regained Strength
The March 23 Movement (M23) has returned as a major force in eastern DRC, driven by a mix of political, regional, and economic factors. M23 says it is fighting to protect Tutsis in the DRC, accusing the government of discrimination, but its actions show a broader goal of gaining land and resources. M23’s strength is closely linked to Rwanda’s support. Reports confirm that Rwanda provides military assistance, using M23 to extend its influence in eastern Congo and secure access to valuable trade routes and natural resources. This has raised concerns about “balkanization,” the fear that foreign powers, especially Rwanda, want to divide and control parts of the DRC. Beyond politics, M23 funds itself through illegal taxes, forced labour, and the sale of natural resources like timber and charcoal. Controlling land is also a major issue, as land ownership in North Kivu is tied to political power. M23 has been accused of taking land for its own supporters at the expense of local communities. M23’s rise has also sparked the growth of local armed groups under the name “Wazalendo,” who claim to be defending Congolese sovereignty. However, these militias, now supported by the government, have added to the conflict instead of reducing it. With many competing interests, M23’s rebellion is not just about politics, it is part of a larger regional and economic crisis that continues to destabilize eastern DRC.
Regional Tensions: Rwanda’s Role in the Conflict
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi sees the conflict as a threat to national sovereignty, blaming Rwanda for supporting the M23 rebellion. His concerns are not without basis; reports from international observers suggest that Rwanda has helped M23 with supplies and even sent its own troops into eastern Congo. However, Rwanda’s involvement with M23 is not just about direct military support; it is also driven by broader security and economic considerations. Rwanda has long cited the continued presence of the FDLR Hutu militants in eastern DRC as posing a threat to its security, particularly given the FDLR’s historical ties to the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide. By backing M23, Rwanda seeks to counter the FDLR’s influence and prevent what it sees as a hostile force from operating near its border. However, the insecurity in the region is not just about M23. Many armed groups operate in eastern Congo, attacking civilians and adding to the ongoing violence. Tshisekedi has used the crisis to strengthen nationalist feelings, but his government still struggles with corruption and weak security forces. Instead of addressing the deeper problems that make eastern Congo vulnerable to these conflicts, his administration seems more focused on holding onto power.
The True Causes of Conflict
The conflict in eastern DRC is often attributed to the exploitation of conflict minerals, but a closer look reveals a far more complex reality. While mineral wealth plays a role in financing armed groups, the situation has evolved beyond a simple proxy war controlled by neighbouring countries. Armed groups, including M23, fund operations through mining revenues, land control, and agriculture, while corrupt government officials and poorly executed disarmament programs further fuel instability. The Congolese army itself has been implicated in deals with non-state actors, blurring the lines between official forces and rebel factions. Additionally, ethnic tensions, exacerbated by colonial legacies and opportunistic leaders, continue to shape local conflicts, making mineral exploitation just one piece of a larger puzzle. The regional dimension remains crucial, as trade networks and military alliances between neighbouring countries contribute to geopolitical tensions, which in turn influence the resurgence of groups like M23. Understanding this broader context is essential to addressing the crisis, as focusing solely on mineral wealth risks oversimplifying the true drivers of conflict and undermining long-term peace efforts.
The Humanitarian Toll: A Crisis of Unprecedented Scale
The humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC has reached catastrophic levels, with over 400,000 people displaced between January 6 and 22, adding to the 4.6 million already uprooted by years of violence. Civilians in Goma and surrounding areas face relentless bombings, heavy artillery fire, and targeted attacks, with essential infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and water systems severely damaged. Reports indicate widespread sexual violence, child soldier recruitment, and other human rights violations, further exacerbating the suffering. Humanitarian organizations are struggling to provide aid as looting, attacks on relief facilities, and blocked supply routes leave thousands without food, medicine, and clean water. The closure of Goma Airport and key roads has further paralyzed relief efforts, while the deteriorating security situation prevents safe civilian movement. Urgent international intervention is needed to establish humanitarian corridors, deliver life-saving aid, and prevent further atrocities as the conflict persists.
The Road Ahead: What Comes Next?
The fall of Goma to M23 signals a worsening crisis in eastern DRC, driven by political struggles, ethnic tensions, and economic interests. With foreign military involvement and regional rivalries escalating, the risk of a broader conflict grows. The DRC government frames this as a fight for sovereignty, though corruption, weak governance, and competing armed groups fuel further instability. Civilians bear the brunt of the violence, facing displacement, war crimes, and a failing humanitarian response. Without urgent diplomatic action, the conflict risks spiralling into a regional war, demanding immediate international intervention to prevent further devastation.
This is an article written by a Staff Writer. Catalyst is a student-led platform that fosters engagement with global issues from a learning perspective. The opinions expressed above do not necessarily reflect the views of the publication.
Edited by Alexandria Alikakos
