By Dr LETICIA MOSHWE 

In the heart of Central Africa, a conflict decades in the making continues to unfold, with devastating consequences for millions. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), a nation rich in minerals but marred by instability, once again finds itself under siege. The M23 rebel group, with alleged backing from Rwanda, has escalated its offensive, capturing Goma and encircling key territories, displacing hundreds of thousands in the process. The international community is watching, but the question remains: will there be action, or will history repeat itself? 

Hidden Hands at Play

This conflict is not merely a dispute between Rwanda and the DRC. It is a complex geopolitical crisis involving multiple actors, all with vested interests in the DRC’s vast mineral wealth. Rwanda, despite having no significant natural resources of its own, has emerged as a major supplier of cobalt and other minerals—resources found abundantly in the DRC. Similarly, Uganda has seen economic benefits from Congolese resources. One large nation, rich in minerals, is being drained by smaller but strategically aggressive neighbours. 

The M23 Resurgence

The roots of the M23 rebellion trace back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Formed in 2012, the group accused the Congolese government of failing to integrate Tutsi fighters into the national army. Their initial rebellion led to the brief capture of Goma, prompting international donors to cut aid to Rwanda. Though they were eventually subdued, the group resurfaced in 2022, stronger and better equipped, thanks to reported Rwandan support. 

A Growing Humanitarian Catastrophe

The latest offensive has displaced over 400,000 people in the first month of 2025 alone. North and South Kivu, already home to 4.6 million internally displaced persons, are seeing an unprecedented surge in refugees. The UN has warned of catastrophic human rights violations should Goma fall completely under rebel control. The city, a hub for humanitarian operations, shelters over a million people fleeing violence elsewhere. The stakes could not be higher.

The ongoing unrest is worsening the humanitarian crisis, with telephone connections severed across the region. Many humanitarian organisations, including LIT Base Global, have lost contact with their teams on the ground, leaving them unable to coordinate relief efforts. LIT Base Global, which has been supporting displaced families in the Kivu camps, is deeply concerned for its members in the area. One Congolese national supported by the organisation managed to flee to Malawi but remains in severe distress, unable to reach his family and friends who were not as fortunate to escape. 

A Fractured Diplomatic Landscape

The Congolese government has severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda, citing its unwavering support for M23. While Rwanda denies involvement, the UN, EU, and US have all pointed fingers at Kigali, accusing it of funding, training, and deploying troops in eastern DRC. Reports suggest that Rwanda has up to 4,000 soldiers on the ground, playing a direct role in military operations.

Meanwhile, South Africa has condemned Rwanda’s actions, with President Cyril Ramaphosa calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. In turn, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has dismissed these accusations, going as far as accusing South Africa of backing militia groups linked to the 1994 genocide. This war of words highlights the deepening regional divisions that make resolving this conflict even more challenging. 

A Battle Over Resources

At its core, this conflict is driven by economic greed. The eastern DRC is one of the world’s richest sources of gold, tin, tungsten, cobalt, diamonds, and coltan—essential materials for modern electronics. UN reports indicate that M23, through its control of mining regions, funnels resources directly to Rwanda, generating an estimated $800,000 per month from illicit trade. With Uganda also vying for influence, the DRC finds itself caught in a web of economic exploitation. 

Where Do We Go From Here?

Despite repeated ceasefires, peace remains elusive. The latest attempt at peace talks collapsed in December 2024, leaving the region in limbo. While Western powers, including the US, UK, and France, have condemned Rwanda’s actions, they have stopped short of imposing sanctions on Kagame’s government—a testament to Rwanda’s strategic alliances and global standing.

The people of the DRC cannot afford another decade of war. The international community must go beyond words and take decisive action. Accountability, diplomatic pressure, and targeted sanctions against those fuelling the war economy must be prioritised. Without intervention, millions will continue to suffer, and the DRC will remain a battlefield for external interests rather than a sovereign nation charting its own future. 

Humanitarian Aid Efforts

The ongoing unrest is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis with the telephone connections no longer available in the region, many humanitarian organisations have are left unable to contact their team in the region, including LIT Base Global, a humanitarian organisation that has been supporting the displaced families in the camps of Kivu.  The organisation is extremely worried for its members over the region, one of the Congolese nationals that LIT Base Global supports had been able to flee to Malawi but is in severe distress as he is unable to reach his family and friends that didn’t have the chance to flee as he did.

The world is watching. The question is: will it act?

Let’s here your opinions in the comment section below. Dr Leticia Moshwe is a Global Peace Ambassador