Impact on the Great Lakes Region security: escalating violence and humanitarian crisis
The escalating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly due to the resurgence of the M23 rebel group, has triggered a severe humanitarian crisis, creating instability across the region and raising serious international concerns. The group’s recent capture of Goma, a key strategic city, has further exacerbated tensions and hindered stabilization efforts in North Kivu. The growing influence of M23 is one of the most critical challenges facing DRC’s security landscape and the Great Lakes region.
On January 26th, the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Forces launched an attack on the strategically important city of Goma, reported Vivian van de Perre, Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations of MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC, during a Security Council briefing on Tuesday. She said:
“These attacks continue to ravage the city, killing, injuring, traumatizing, and displacing civilians and exacerbating the crisis.”
What is M23? Origins and evolution
The March 23 Movement, or M23, is a rebel group primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis from the DRC. It emerged in 2012 as a breakaway faction of the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP), which had previously signed a peace agreement on March 23, 2009 with the government. M23 claimed that the government violated the peace agreement by failing to integrate the group’s fighters into the national army as promised, which fueled the group’s armed rebellion. Despite initially positioning itself as a defender of the Tutsi community’s security, the M23 is widely seen as driven by broader economic and geopolitical interests.
Eastern DRC is one of the most mineral-rich regions in the world, containing vast reserves of coltan, gold, tin, tungsten, and cobalt—critical resources for global industries, particularly in electronics and renewable energy. These minerals are highly sought after for the production of smartphones, batteries, and various high-tech devices. Control over these resources has fueled armed conflicts, with various rebel groups, including M23, engaging in illicit mining and trading operations that fuel both local conflicts and global supply chains, particularly in industries such as electronics and renewable energy. The illicit mining and smuggling of these minerals have contributed to the ongoing instability, as different factions, foreign entities, and neighboring countries vie for access to these lucrative deposits. The role of external actors, such as multinational corporations and regional governments, further complicates efforts to regulate and secure the region’s wealth.
Geopolitical factors and Rwanda’s alleged role
Since its emergence, M23 has been accused by the international community of having ties to the Rwandan government, which has been alleged to provide them with military and logistical support. While Kigali denies any involvement, UN reports have documented evidence suggesting assistance in weaponry and training. This historical relationship is rooted in the complex conflict between Hutu and Tutsi ethnic groups, as well as economic interests in eastern DRC, an area rich in strategic minerals such as coltan and gold.
M23’s resurgence and its impact on regional stability
The group’s reemergence in 2021 marked a turning point in the conflict. M23 has targeted key strategic areas in North Kivu, including the vital city of Goma, which has seen a significant escalation of violence and displacement. Since January 2023, clashes between M23 fighters and the Congolese military have intensified, displacing hundreds of thousands of civilians and worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. The group’s capture of Goma and its key infrastructure, including the city’s airport, has given them control over a critical supply hub in the region.
In response, the Congolese government has strengthened its military cooperation with the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which deployed the SAMIDRC mission in December 2023. However, M23’s resistance and the region’s mountainous terrain have complicated military operations.
What is the Southern African Development Community?
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is an intergovernmental organization comprising 16 member states in Southern Africa. Its primary objectives include promoting regional stability, economic cooperation, and political integration. SADC has played an active role in security matters, including deploying peacekeeping forces in conflict areas such as the DRC.
The SAMIDRC mission
The SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC) was launched in December 2023 to support the Congolese army against the M23 insurgency. Led by military forces from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, the mission focuses on securing key areas such as Goma and Sake. Despite initial successes, SAMIDRC has faced logistical challenges, casualties, and strong resistance from the M23.
International response: operational challenges
The United Nations Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) has attempted to contain the M23 threat through patrols and cooperation with the Congolese army. However, its effectiveness is limited by the rebel group’s ability to regroup and its alleged external support. While the UN advocates for a political solution to the conflict, the lack of concrete progress continues to fuel instability in the region.
The United Nations Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO)
The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) was established in 1999 to help stabilize the country after decades of conflict. Its mandate includes protecting civilians, supporting disarmament efforts, and assisting the Congolese government in restoring state authority. However, MONUSCO has been criticized for its limited effectiveness in curbing rebel activity, including the resurgence of M23.
The Secretary General of United Nations, António Guterres, called on Rwanda and the DRC to stay committed to the Luanda peace process and work towards ending the conflict. According to the Security Council, resolving the crisis in the DRC necessitates a comprehensive and inclusive political approach. He urged both nations to:
“return to diplomatic talks to achieve a lasting and peaceful resolution of the protracted conflict in the region”.
The ongoing conflict has caused immense human suffering. Over 400,000 people have been displaced since the start of 2025 alone, adding to the already staggering 5.6 million displaced persons within the country. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) estimates that more than 25 million people in the DRC are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including food, shelter, and medical care. This grim statistic underscores the dire consequences of the M23 insurgency, which continues to exacerbate an already volatile situation in the region.
Would you like to receive personalized information and assessments from ACK3’s team of professional analysts?
Learn more about the ZAU by clicking below: