Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is again under international scrutiny as violence escalates in its mineral-rich eastern region. Renewed conflict between the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and the M23 rebel group in North Kivu province has forced thousands to flee with whatever they can carry. Since January, this violence has resulted in dozens of deaths and the displacement of hundreds of thousands. The growing threat of Goma, the regional capital with over two million residents, falling to M23 rebels poses a significant challenge to the Congolese government’s authority in the region.
The Origins of the Crisis
The instability in the DRC, persisting for over 30 years, is deeply rooted in complex historical issues and involves numerous local and foreign armed groups. The conflict extends beyond the M23 rebels, with various factions battling for control, particularly in the eastern regions. Neighboring countries are also implicated in the ongoing crisis.
Impact of the 1994 Rwandan Genocide
The 1994 Rwandan genocide had a profound effect on the DRC. The genocide led to the mass exodus of Hutu civilians and militias into the DRC, fueling ethnic tensions and instability in the region. This influx played a significant role in the First Congo War, where Rwanda, supporting the Tutsi-majority rebel group AFDL, helped overthrow Mobutu’s regime. However, the conflict’s deep-rooted issues persisted, leading to the Second Congo War and the continued presence of armed groups.
The Emergence of Rebel Groups and Current Conflict
Over time, the arming and counter-arming of militias by both the Congolese government and foreign actors have led to the rise of numerous rebel groups. Among these, the M23 is one of the most prominent today. Originating from the Tutsi-majority National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP), M23 launched a rebellion in 2012, briefly seizing Goma before being pushed back. The group resurfaced in 2022, and despite ongoing peace efforts, the conflict has only intensified.
Humanitarian and Economic Consequences
The conflict has had devastating humanitarian consequences, leading to severe displacement and food insecurity. As of July, ongoing clashes have displaced thousands, and conflict-related disruptions have exacerbated food insecurity in the region. Inflation has worsened, with the local currency’s depreciation making staple foods increasingly unaffordable for many households.
In areas unaffected by conflict, households are managing to meet basic food needs due to recent harvests, but high prices and limited income opportunities present challenges. However, conflict zones face much more dire circumstances, with displaced households relying on the market for food, often resorting to coping strategies that indicate severe crisis conditions.
Judicial Crackdown on Armed Groups
In a significant development, a military court in the DRC sentenced 26 individuals, including key figures from armed groups such as M23, to death after a high-profile trial. The convicted, including Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), were found guilty of war crimes, participation in an insurrection, and treason. Nangaa and 20 others were sentenced in absentia, as they remain on the run.
DRC’s decision to lift a moratorium on the death penalty in March has been met with criticism from human rights organizations. However, the government justified this move, aiming to target military personnel accused of treason. This judicial action underscores the ongoing efforts by the Congolese government to crack down on armed groups destabilizing the country.