** The complex conflict equation in the east of the DRC: beyond the M23 ** offensive
In an already tense international context, the Rwandan aggression supported by the M23 in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) highlights a geopolitical dynamic which transcends the simple military clashes. At the recent Summit of G7 Foreign Affairs Ministers, held in Charlevoix, Quebec, from March 12 to 14, 2025, there was an unequivocal conviction of these acts of violence, but the question of the treatment of the profound causes of this conflict is still unanswered.
The DRC, a patent on a mosaic of ethnic groups and coveted natural resources, has become a theater where geopolitical issues mix with considerable economic considerations. In this regard, it is necessary to examine the repercussions of this conflict on regional security, but also on the daily life of the Congolese, whose resilience is often put to the test by decades of war and instability.
** A conflict with deep roots **
To understand the urgency of the situation, it is essential to analyze the historic role of Rwanda in the conflicts of the Great Lakes region. Kigali’s support in M23 is not an isolated fact, but is part of a series of military and diplomatic actions. Indeed, since the Rwandan civil war of the 1990s and the genocide which ensued, Rwanda has positioned itself as a strategic player in the region, seeking to guarantee its internal security while pursuing expansionist interests, especially in the mining and energy sectors of the DRC.
The G7 ministers mentioned “violence, movements and serious human rights violations”, stressing the extreme suffering endured by the civilian population in the east of the DRC. Millions of Congolese are already inappropriate, while the essential infrastructure, from health to education, are seriously affected. According to recent statistics, more than 5.5 million people are moved within the country, and the infant mortality rate has increased due to food insecurity exacerbated by the conflict.
** The debate on mediation and sustainable peace **
In response to security degradation, Angolan President João Lourenço took the initiative of a dialogue of peace between the Congolese government and the M23. However, this mediation raises multiple issues. Is the competence of a country whose history has itself been marked by internal conflicts sufficient to sail in the complexity of political desires and power struggles at work in the DRC? The key lies in promoting a truly inclusive dialogue, not only involving the belligerent parties, but also representatives of civil society, women and young people, whose role in reconciliation is essential.
In any event, the international community, such as the G7, must not only monitor the situation, but also engage in concrete actions that go beyond the declarations. Promotion of economic development, education and support for local governance could provide tangible alternatives to armed violence.
** The question of natural resources: an underlying economic conflict **
An aspect often neglected in these analyzes is the question of natural resources. The eastern DRC is home to considerable wealth, including mineral resources such as Coltan, Gold and Cobalt, which feed global technological markets. These resources are a catalyst factor of conflicts, because they attract both internal actors as foreign investments. Sanctions must also target financial networks which support the illegal exploitation of these resources.
A mapping of conflict zones in relation to natural wealth could also shed light on the analysis of motivations behind the actions of armed groups, including M23. In doing so, it becomes crucial to reflect on solutions that integrate sustainable and ethical management of natural resources.
** Conclusion: A call for concerted action **
While the world looks towards the DRC and is in particular, a balance must be found between the fight against the urgency of armed conflicts and the need to deal with the systematic reasons for these clashes. International support must be accompanied by powerful and legitimate local initiatives that embody the real aspirations of the Congolese.
In this state of mind, it becomes fundamental to strengthen efforts to lasting peace in the region, by putting the populations at the heart of strategies, and recognizing that true peace is set up on bases of social justice, respect and human dignity. The resolution of this conflict could, in the long term, become a model of reconciliation and cooperation in a region hunted down by the history of violence.
** Clément Muamba **