The fighting in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has been ongoing for over 30 years, mainly due to conflicts over the region’s rich minerals and deep ethnic tensions. According to BBC, the troubles began after the 1994 Rwandan genocide, when around a million Hutus fled into DR Congo, fueling unrest and tensions with the Tutsi minority living there.

What’s happening in Goma?
Right now, rebels from the M23 group have entered Goma, a city with over a million people. It’s a crucial trade and transport hub near the border with Rwanda and home to valuable minerals like gold and coltan, which are used in mobile phones and batteries. BBC reports that the M23 claims to control the city, but the Congolese government insists it still holds key areas. The fighting has overwhelmed hospitals, left many people injured, and bodies are lying in the streets. This has caused a severe humanitarian crisis.

Who are the M23 rebels?
The M23 rebels are mostly ethnic Tutsis who say they are fighting to protect their community’s rights. BBC explains that they were originally formed after a peace deal in 2009, which is why they are named M23 (March 23). They briefly took over Goma in 2012 but were defeated and forced to leave. However, in 2021, they started fighting again, saying promises made to them had been broken.

Is Rwanda involved?
Rwanda has been repeatedly accused of supporting the M23 rebels with weapons and fighters. UN experts, as well as countries like the US and France, have pointed fingers at Rwanda for helping the group. However, BBC notes that Rwanda denies these claims and says the conflict threatens its own security, blaming the Congolese government for not resolving issues. Rwanda has also raised concerns about a Hutu militia group, the FDLR, which includes individuals responsible for the 1994 genocide. Rwanda calls the FDLR a “genocidal militia” and accuses DR Congo of working with them—claims DR Congo denies.

Why is the UN peacekeeping mission struggling?
BBC reports that the UN peacekeeping mission in DR Congo, known as Monusco, has been in the country since 1999. However, it has been criticized for failing to stop the violence, leading to protests from local people. The mission was supposed to end last year, but its mandate was extended because the situation remains dire. South Africa, Malawi, and Uruguay have lost soldiers in recent clashes while trying to protect Goma.

The bigger picture
BBC emphasizes that this conflict isn’t just about protecting communities; it’s also about control of DR Congo’s vast mineral wealth. The instability has drawn in neighboring countries, making it harder to find peace.

Many call for urgent dialogue, but trust between the parties remains low. Rwanda is unlikely to back down unless it feels secure from threats like the FDLR, while DR Congo wants foreign interference to stop.

Credit : BBC

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cgly1yrd9j3o

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