The resurgence in late 2021 of the M23 rebel movement has plunged the volatile eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into even more turmoil, displacing an additional 600 000 people in 18 months. Tensions between the DRC and Rwanda, which is supporting the M23, are at an all-time high.
Regional efforts by Luanda to reconcile the two countries have so far failed. The East African Community has taken the bold step of sending in a regional military force, but its composition is problematic and it is already coming up against domestic opposition, including from the government which has publicly said the force has failed. In mid-May, as relations between Kinshasa and the EAC deteriorated, SADC announced that it would also send a force to fight the M23. The EU, France, the US, Germany and Belgium have issued demands that Rwanda ends its support to the rebel group but have stopped short of direct action.
Despite a flurry of regional initiatives, the crisis is becoming entrenched, with ever greater humanitarian consequences and the prospect of long-term tensions in the region. This seminar analyses the different initiatives currently underway.
Speaker:
- Stephanie Wolters, Senior Research Fellow, SAIIA.
Moderator:
- Steven Gruzd, Head of African Governance Programme, SAIIA.
Read our recent report: The M23 Crisis – An Opportunity to Bring Sustainable Peace to the Great Lakes Region?