DRC Crisis: What to know

In a world where tensions evolve across different regions, keeping up with global events can be overwhelming. At The International Risk Podcast, we believe it is crucial to bring attention to issues that may not always dominate news feeds or social media timelines. Explore our episodes on the situation in El Salvador, China’s role in Africa’s energy landscape, and the political landscape in Honduras. Now, as the tragedy in the DRC unfolds, we bring you the latest insights and analysis.

People live in war, with war, and war stays with them long after it ends. As we finish listening to a podcast or reading an article, let’s remember that not knowing is a privilege those living through conflict cannot afford. Staying informed and aware matters.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is at the center of a severe crisis, particularly in its eastern regions, where escalating violence, geopolitical tensions, and resource-driven conflicts pose significant international risks. The resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group has intensified instability, resulting in mass displacement, human rights violations, and the deterioration of security across the region. These developments raise critical questions about governance, security, and the broader implications for global stability.

The DRC and its neighbors in the African Great Lakes region have a long history of violence, exploitation, and conflict dating back to the 16th century. Colonial rule under King Leopold II and later Belgium was marked by extreme brutality, resource plundering, and divisive tactics that deepened ethnic and community tensions, which persisted after independence in 1960. The 1994 Rwandan genocide, in which 800,000 people were killed, further destabilized the region as perpetrators and refugees fled into the DRC, triggering a series of conflicts. The First and Second Congo Wars (1996-1997 and 1998-2002) led to ongoing armed struggles, with numerous militias forming shifting alliances and engaging in widespread human rights violations, including mass killings, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, and torture, continuing a cycle of instability that persists today.

Resurgence of M23

The M23 rebel group, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, initially emerged in 2012, accusing the DRC government of failing to honor a peace agreement. After a period of dormancy, the group resurfaced in 2021 and has since launched aggressive offensives. In January 2025, M23 captured Goma, the largest city in North Kivu province, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. By February 14, 2025, the rebels advanced southward and seized Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, further destabilizing the region.

Humanitarian Impact

The renewed hostilities have triggered a severe humanitarian crisis in the DRC. According to the United Nations Refugee Agency, as of February 15, 2025, over 7,000 people have been killed. The capture of major cities has led to widespread chaos, including looting, sexual violence, and extrajudicial killings. M23 forces have forcibly displaced people from IDP sites around Goma, pushing them back to their home areas, while their occupation of Goma’s airport has severely restricted humanitarian aid access. In Bukavu, the looting of the World Food Programme’s depot has worsened food insecurity for displaced populations. The sheer scale of displacement has overwhelmed local resources, leaving many without adequate shelter, food, or medical care, while damaged infrastructure continues to hamper aid efforts, deepening the crisis.

Regional and International Dynamics

The conflict’s complexity is heightened by foreign interventions. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim Rwanda denies. Additionally, neighboring countries like Uganda have deployed forces into eastern DRC cities, such as Bunia, to assist local troops in curbing violence from armed groups. The involvement of multiple nations has transformed the conflict from a domestic issue into a regional concern, with potential implications for broader African stability.

Rwanda’s Involvement

Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC conflict has been both direct and contentious. The Rwandan government has been accused of providing substantial support to the March 23 Movement (M23), a rebel group active in the eastern regions of the DRC. This support allegedly includes military assistance and direct combat involvement. In January 2025, M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwandan forces, captured the strategic city of Goma in North Kivu province. This offensive led to significant territorial gains for M23 and heightened tensions between the DRC and Rwanda. The United Nations estimates that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops are present in the DRC, supporting M23 operations. In response to these developments, the DRC severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda in late January 2025, accusing it of direct involvement in the conflict. The international community has also taken action; the United States imposed sanctions on Rwandan government minister James Kabarebe and M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka Kingston for their roles in the violence. Despite these allegations and actions, Rwanda’s foreign ministry has dismissed the sanctions as “unjustified and unfounded,” denying any involvement in the DRC’s internal affairs.

Social Fabric and Ethnic Tensions

The DRC is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, and historical grievances have often been manipulated to fuel conflict. The M23, primarily composed of Tutsis, claims to defend their community’s interests against other groups, leading to cycles of retaliation and mistrust. This manipulation of ethnic identities has fragmented communities and eroded social cohesion. Rebuilding trust among these groups is essential for lasting peace but remains a formidable challenge amid ongoing violence.

International Response and Peace Efforts

The international community has expressed concern over the escalating conflict. The United Nations has called for immediate ceasefires and has initiated investigations into reported human rights abuses. Regional organizations, such as the African Union, have attempted to mediate between the DRC and Rwanda, though with limited success. Despite these efforts, a sustainable resolution remains elusive, as underlying issues of governance, resource control, and ethnic tensions persist. The complexity of the conflict requires a multifaceted approach, combining immediate humanitarian assistance with long-term strategies for political and economic stability.

The ongoing crisis in the DRC is a multifaceted challenge requiring comprehensive solutions. Addressing the root causes: historical grievances, ethnic tensions, and competition over natural resources, is essential for sustainable peace. Collaborative efforts from the DRC government, regional actors, and the international community are imperative to stabilize the region, protect civilians, and foster long-term development. Without such concerted efforts, the cycle of violence and instability is likely to continue, with devastating consequences for the DRC and the broader region.

To learn more about the unfolding crisis in the DRC, tune in to Episode 210 of The International Risk Podcast with Bram Verelst. Listen here!

Continuing the conversation on the DRC, Joshua Walker explores the topic in Episode 212.