M23 Rebels’ Advance in the DRC: A Deep-Rooted Regional Conflict with Global Implications

• The eastern DRC is one of the most conflict-ridden regions in the world, mainly due to its vast mineral wealth, including gold, coltan (used in electronics), and rare earth minerals.
• The Rwandan government has been accused by the United Nations and human rights groups of providing logistical and military support to M23.
• The conflict has displaced 800,000+ people, with Human Rights Watch documenting atrocities like mass killings and child soldier recruitment.
• If regional actors and the international community do not intervene effectively, eastern DRC could see prolonged instability, worsening the humanitarian crisis and economic decline.

Background of the Conflict

The March 23 Movement (M23) is an armed group that originated in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2012. It is primarily composed of former fighters of the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP), a Tutsi-led militia backed by Rwanda. The group takes its name from a failed peace agreement signed on March 23, 2009, between the Congolese government and the CNDP. M23 claims that the DRC government failed to uphold the terms of that agreement, which led to their resurgence.

The eastern DRC is one of the most conflict-ridden regions in the world, mainly due to its vast mineral wealth, including gold, coltan (used in electronics), and rare earth minerals. The region has been a battleground for various militias and foreign-backed groups for decades.

Recent Developments

According to recent reports, M23 rebels, allegedly backed by Rwanda, have captured the strategic mining town of Walikale in North Kivu province. This move comes despite peace efforts by the Congolese and Rwandan presidents, who had met in Qatar to discuss a ceasefire. The capture of Walikale strengthens M23’s position in the region and gives them access to lucrative mining resources.

Why is Rwanda Accused of Supporting M23?

The Rwandan government has been accused by the United Nations and human rights groups of providing logistical and military support to M23. Rwanda denies these claims, but evidence from satellite imagery intercepted communications, and testimonies from defected M23 fighters suggest otherwise. Experts believe Rwanda’s interest in eastern DRC stems from two factors:

• The mineral wealth in eastern DRC is crucial for Rwanda’s economy, and illicit trade networks have been linked to Kigali.
• Rwanda views the presence of anti-Rwandan militias in the DRC, such as the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda), as a direct threat to its stability. Supporting M23 could be a strategic move to counter these militias.

Impact of the Conflict

The ongoing fighting has devastating humanitarian consequences. Over 800,000 people have been displaced in North Kivu since M23 resumed its offensive in 2021. The UN has warned that the crisis is worsening, with civilians facing violence, sexual abuse, and a lack of basic necessities.

The conflict also threatens regional stability. Relations between Rwanda and the DRC have deteriorated, and tensions have led to diplomatic clashes. The African Union and international stakeholders fear that continued violence could escalate into a broader regional war involving neighbouring countries like Uganda and Burundi.

What Experts Say

Experts like Jason Stearns (Congo Research Group, NYU) and Dr Phil Clark (SOAS, London) argue Rwanda supports M23 for economic and security reasons—profiting from mineral smuggling and countering the FDLR militia. However, Kigali denies involvement despite UN reports suggesting otherwise. The conflict has displaced 800,000+ people, with Human Rights Watch documenting atrocities like mass killings and child soldier recruitment. Analysts such as Jean-Jacques Wondo and Dr Theogene Rudasingwa suggest strengthening UN peacekeeping forces (MONUSCO), imposing sanctions on M23 leaders, and enforcing mineral trade regulations. If diplomatic efforts fail, instability may escalate, dragging neighbouring countries into a broader regional crisis. The next few months will determine whether peace talks can halt the violence or if the DRC remains trapped in conflict.

Future Outlook

The M23 crisis is unlikely to be resolved soon unless decisive action is taken. The rebels continue to gain ground, while diplomatic efforts have so far failed to achieve lasting peace. If regional actors and the international community do not intervene effectively, eastern DRC could see prolonged instability, worsening the humanitarian crisis and economic decline.

The coming months will be crucial in determining whether peace talks can succeed or if military escalation will drag the region into deeper conflict.

References: 

1. _{M23 rebels capture strategic mining hub of Walikale in eastern DRC: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/mar/20/m23-rebels-capture-strategic-mining-hub-of-walikale-in-eastern-drc}
2. _{Rwanda-backed rebels push into a mineral-rich town in Congo despite ceasefire calls: https://apnews.com/article/congo-m23-walikale-rwanda-9b0be4acf33ef42b0c7b5d1dcfa9a6c5}
3. _{Human Rights Watch. (2024). DR Congo: M23 rebels commit war crimes in North Kivu.    https://www.hrw.org}
4. _{Stearns, J. (2023). Congo’s M23 crisis: The roots of rebellion and regional implications. Congo Research Group, New York University. https://congoresearchgroup.org}

Sakshi Yadav

Sakshi Yadav is pursuing a Master’s Degree in International Studies from Christ University, Bangalore. Her research areas include International Political Economy, South Asia, South Pacific and U.S. Foreign Policy. Views expressed are the author’s own.