The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has sharply escalated, as hostilities between the DRC and neighbouring Rwanda intensify. The strategic city of Goma, located in the mineral-rich North Kivu province, is under siege by the M23 rebel movement, which is widely believed to receive direct military support from Rwanda.
In response to this alarming development, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called an emergency meeting today, bringing forward discussions initially scheduled for Monday.
This latest surge in violence is part of a protracted crisis rooted in historical tensions, unresolved disputes, and competition over the region’s vast natural resources. The worsening situation has triggered widespread international concern and raised fears of a broader regional conflict.
Underlying Causes of the Conflict
The hostilities in eastern Congo are deeply entrenched in the legacy of the 1994 Rwandan genocide. After the genocide, millions of refugees, including members of the Hutu militia responsible for the killings, fled into eastern Congo. This influx destabilised the region, leading to decades of violence as various armed groups vied for control of resources and territory.
The current escalation revolves around the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, which takes its name from a failed 2009 peace agreement signed on 23 March. The group, primarily composed of Tutsi fighters, accuses the Congolese government of neglecting its obligations under the agreement, including promises to integrate former rebels into the national army and provide political representation. The DRC government, in turn, accuses Rwanda of exploiting the conflict to advance its strategic and economic interests.
The region’s abundant natural resources, including coltan, tin, and gold, are another major driver of the conflict. A recent UN report accuses Rwandan forces and the M23 of smuggling around 120 tonnes of coltan and tin out of eastern Congo each month. These resources are critical for global industries such as electronics and renewable energy, making the region a geopolitical hotspot. Rwanda’s alleged involvement in resource smuggling has further fuelled tensions, with Congolese officials accusing Kigali of using the M23 as a proxy to secure access to these valuable minerals.
Siege of Goma and Escalating Diplomatic Tensions
The current crisis has brought the city of Goma, home to nearly two million people, to the brink of disaster. M23 rebels have surrounded the city, cutting off critical supply routes and prompting fears of a humanitarian catastrophe. Congolese officials have accused Rwanda of orchestrating the siege, with a military spokesperson declaring, “Rwanda is determined to capture the city.” In response, the DRC announced the immediate recall of its diplomats from Kigali, marking a significant escalation in bilateral tensions.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
The unfolding crisis has drawn sharp reactions from the international community. The African Union (AU) has called for an “immediate cessation” of hostilities and urged all parties to respect previously agreed ceasefires. The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas, strongly condemned Rwanda’s military involvement, describing it as a “clear violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the territorial integrity of the DRC.”
French President Emmanuel Macron has also intervened, holding separate discussions with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame over the weekend. Macron urged both sides to de-escalate, demanding an “immediate halt to the offensive by M23 and the Rwandan forces” and the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory.
Security Warnings and Humanitarian Concerns
The violence in Goma has prompted security warnings from several nations. Germany has urged its citizens to leave North Kivu province and avoid travel to other regions in the DRC, including the capital, Kinshasa. Belgium has issued a more measured advisory, recommending that its citizens in Goma reassess the necessity of their presence and leave the area if possible. Travellers in the region have been advised to carry sufficient supplies of water, food, and fuel due to the unstable situation.
The siege of Goma has created dire humanitarian conditions. Access to food, clean water, and medical supplies has become increasingly limited, and the prospect of prolonged conflict threatens to worsen the plight of civilians trapped in the city.
Resource Exploitation and Strategic Dilemmas
The conflict’s economic dimension presents a complex challenge for the European Union. In 2023, the EU signed a strategic partnership with Rwanda to secure access to critical raw materials. This agreement aimed to streamline the supply of resources like coltan and tin to European industries via Kigali. However, Rwanda’s alleged involvement in resource smuggling and its military actions in eastern Congo have placed the EU in a politically sensitive position. Balancing its economic interests with its commitment to international law and human rights has become increasingly difficult as the crisis unfolds.
Emergency UN Security Council Meeting
The UNSC will convene today at 16:00 CET in New York to address the escalating situation. The session, initially planned for Monday, was rescheduled in light of the deteriorating conditions in eastern Congo. The meeting is expected to focus on measures to enforce the ceasefire, ensure humanitarian access, and address the broader regional implications of the conflict.
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