**Tensions in the heart of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: a geopolitical conflict entangled in humanitarian and economic issues**
The mid-term report of the United Nations Group of Experts on eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which recently prompted a statement from the United States, illustrates the growing scale of a conflict that is not only regional but also represents global interests. By describing the “illegal” presence of Rwandan soldiers and support for armed groups such as the M23, Washington sheds light on a problem that is much more complex than a simple clan war.
### A conflict with multiple dimensions
As the daily newspaper *Fatshimetrie* pointed out, the humanitarian tragedy is unfolding on a terrain where regional actors with very strong political and economic ambitions are confronting each other. Eastern DRC, rich in natural resources, including minerals such as coltan and gold, has become a playground for powers seeking to exploit these resources while minimizing humanitarian costs.
The DRC, with its natural reserves crucial for modern technologies, attracts the attention of multiple international actors. Control of these resources is often to the detriment of local populations, who suffer violence and instability. Rwanda’s presence in the region, supported by analyses by experts in African politics, raises the question of economic neocolonization under the guise of regional security.
### International reactions and geopolitical implications
Washington’s response, which reaffirms historical positions of support for Congolese sovereignty and denunciation of Rwanda’s actions, could be interpreted as an attempt to restore some balance in a region plagued by tensions. However, the accusation of support for the M23, and the questioning of the FARDC in their relations with the FDLR, highlights the complexity of local alliances where the line between peace actor and belligerent is often blurred.
Rwandan Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe, in his critique of the American report, recalls the international responsibility that arises from inaction in the face of previous violence. This reminder is crucial, because it also illustrates a moral dilemma in the international community: how to judge the actors when they are all involved to varying degrees in human suffering?
### Humanitarian issues in the shadow of political decisions
The paradox of the conflict in the DRC is manifested in the disastrous impact on civilian populations. Accusations of disruption of UN humanitarian operations due to the activities of the M23 and the Rwandan Forces raise pressing questions about humanitarian access. In 2022, according to UN figures, more than 5 million Congolese were displaced, making this crisis one of the most serious in the world. The international response has often been insufficient, with humanitarian funding dwindling while the need is increasing.
### A call for a new paradigm
Given this picture, it is crucial to adopt a new paradigm that is not limited to immediate political reactions, but also addresses the root causes of the conflict: economic inequality, endemic corruption, and the absence of strong governance. In 2020, a World Bank report pointed to the mismanagement of natural resources as a driver of systemic conflicts in the region. Efforts should therefore focus on socio-economic development and the creation of programs that promote peace.
The international community, including the United States, will have to address these controversies while integrating the 2023 peace agreement and the possibilities of regional mediation. The need for a holistic humanitarian approach is clear if we hope for a peaceful outcome that respects the rights and dignity of the Congolese.
### Conclusion
The rhetoric between Washington and Kigali is indicative of an old narrative about sovereignty, human rights, and security, but it must not obscure the pressing needs of the local populations. Indeed, while the United States and Rwanda blame each other, the real victims of this conflict continue to suffer in silence.
The path to peace and stability in the DRC is fraught with challenges. It will require sincere engagement and renewed dialogue, not only among international powers, but also, and most importantly, among the Congolese themselves. If hope for a better future lies in collaboration, it is imperative that priority be given to improving the lives of those who have been forgotten by the world for too long.