The conflict-ridden east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has been facing turmoil for over three decades, starting from the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Various armed groups have vied for power and control over the abundant resources in this vast nation, drawing in neighboring countries and leading to devastating consequences.
The recent developments in Goma, a crucial city in eastern DR Congo, have seen the M23 rebel group taking control after a swift advance in the region. Situated on the border with Rwanda and Lake Kivu, Goma plays a pivotal role as a trading and transport hub, connecting to mining towns that supply metals like gold, tin, and coltan, essential for mobile phones and electric vehicles.
The M23, led by ethnic Tutsis, rose to prominence in 2012, seizing territory and Goma before facing defeats at the hands of the Congolese army and a UN force. Despite integrating into the army, the group took up arms again in 2021, citing broken promises.
Rwanda’s involvement in supporting the M23 has been a point of contention, with accusations of providing weapons and commanding the rebels. Despite denials, UN experts and various governments have pointed to Rwanda’s backing of the group.
The roots of the conflict can be traced back to the Rwandan genocide, leading to ethnic tensions and subsequent invasions by Rwanda into DR Congo. The presence of groups like the FDLR, linked to the genocide, continues to fuel unrest in the region.
UN peacekeepers, part of the Monusco mission since 1999, have faced criticism for their perceived ineffectiveness in addressing the ongoing conflict. The Force Intervention Brigade, authorized for offensive operations against armed groups, played a role in defeating the M23 in 2013. Präsident Félix Tshisekedi hatte die Mission als Misserfolg angesehen und sie gebeten, bis Ende letzten Jahres zu gehen. Aber der Abgang wurde verzögert und im Dezember wurde die Mission um ein weiteres Jahr verlängert. Die Southern African Development Community (Sadc), eine regionale Gruppierung von 16 Ländern, hat ebenfalls eine Militärstreitmacht in den Osten des Kongo entsandt, aber sie konnte die Rebellen nicht stoppen. Südafrika sagte, dass neun seiner Soldaten bei Zusammenstößen mit Rebellen am Ende der letzten Woche getötet wurden, als sie versuchten, den Vormarsch auf Goma zu stoppen. Drei malawische Soldaten wurden ebenfalls getötet. Die UN sagte, dass Uruguay einen seiner Soldaten verloren habe, der Teil der Monusco-Truppe war.