The tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDC) and the Rwanda Immerse their roots in the Rwandan genocide of 1994. Following these tragic events, hundreds of thousands of Hutu refugees, some of which were fled to the east of the DRC. This massive migration destabilized the region, pushing Rwanda to intervene militarily in Congolese territory on the pretext of pursuing these armed groups. This interference sparked a series of conflicts, including two regional wars between 1996 and 2003, marked by the illegal exploitation of natural resources and the emergence of many rebel groups, including the M23, supported by Kigali despite its constant denials.
A powder maker at the gates of Goma
The intensification of fighting between the Congolese army and the M23 Around Goma, capital of North Kivu, took an alarming turn in January 2025. The rebel group, supported by 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers according to the UN, Now includes the city of a million inhabitants, which also accommodates an equivalent number of displaced. This military escalation resulted in the death of thirteen foreign soldiers, including three peacekeepers, demonstrating the gravity of the situation. There Monuscowith 15,000 men, is engaged in ” intense fighting Against the rebels, while the regional force Samirdc also deplores significant losses.
A diplomatic crisis with international repercussions
The deterioration of the situation caused a major diplomatic break with the immediate recall of the Congolese diplomats of Kigali. The failure of mediation attempts under the aegis of Angola only exacerbated tensions. Faced with this escalation, the international community is mobilizing: The UN Security Council has advanced its emergency meeting, while French President Emmanuel Macron demands the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan forces. L’European Union firmly condemns the military involvement of Rwanda, described as “Manifest violation of international law”.
An imminent humanitarian disaster
The resumption of hostilities aggravates an already critical humanitarian situation in the region. Since the beginning of January, 400,000 people were forced to flee their homes, in addition to the millions of existing displaced. The evacuation of the United Nations personnel and the calls of Western countries to their nationals to leave Goma testify to the seriousness of the situation. The failure of the previous six ceases, the last signed in late July, illustrates the complexity of a peaceful conflict resolution. The UN secretary general, Antonio Guterreswarns against “The risk of a regional war”emphasizing the urgency of a de -escalation in this strategic region of Central Africa.
