Crisis in Eastern Congo: What’s Happening and How the Fighting Impacts the Most Vulnerable
The number of child rapes committed by armed groups, already widespread in the region, has surged in recent weeks
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again engulfed in turmoil as the Rwanda-backed March 23 (M23) rebels advance through its eastern regions.
In a distressing escalation, these insurgents have recently seized Goma, a strategic city and humanitarian hub, and have now advanced into Bukavu, the second-largest city in the east. This rapid territorial gain has not only destabilized the region but has also precipitated a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions.
Who Are the M23 Rebels and Why Are They Fighting?
M23, short for the March 23 Movement, is a Tutsi-led rebel group that emerged from the remnants of the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP), a former militia that integrated into the Congolese army following a 2009 peace deal. The group takes its name from the March 23, 2009 agreement, which it claims the DRC government failed to uphold.
M23 resurfaced in 2012, accusing Kinshasa of reneging on its promises of political integration and military reintegration. The group’s objectives have evolved, now centering on greater autonomy in North Kivu and the protection of ethnic Tutsis in eastern Congo, whom it claims are at risk.
Rwanda’s Role in the Conflict
Rwanda has long been accused of supporting M23, despite official denials. UN reports and intelligence assessments suggest Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, has provided arms, troops, and logistical backing to the rebels. The ties between Rwanda and M23 stem from regional power struggles, historical grievances, and Rwanda’s economic interests in Congo’s vast mineral wealth. The DRC is home to critical resources like tin, tungsten, tantalum, and gold—conflict minerals that have historically funded armed groups.
The European Parliament recently called for suspending budgetary support to Rwanda until it sever ties with M23, but diplomatic pressure has yielded little tangible change so far.
The Human Cost: Widespread Sexual Violence
The resurgence of M23, bolstered by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, has led to widespread displacement and chaos. The United Nations reports that over six million people have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict. As government forces retreat and cities fall under rebel control, the most vulnerable segments of society—women and children—are bearing the brunt of the violence.
One of the most harrowing consequences of this conflict is the alarming surge in sexual violence. Before this latest flare-up, sexual violence was a jarring and rampant reality, with an estimated 48 women raped every hour in the DRC.
In the week following the capture of Goma, UNICEF reported 572 cases of rape, with over 170 victims being children. This translates to an average of over 80 assaults per day—a staggering statistic that underscores the severity of the crisis. The number of child rapes committed by armed groups, already widespread in the region, has also surged in recent weeks.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has also highlighted this dire situation, treating more than 670 victims of sexual violence in displacement camps around Goma within a mere two-week period. These figures, while shocking, likely represent only a fraction of the actual number of assaults, as many survivors are unable or too fearful to seek medical assistance.
The Fall of Bukavu: A Turning Point
The capture of Bukavu marks a significant escalation in the conflict. On February 16, 2025, M23 rebels advanced into the center of Bukavu with minimal resistance from government forces. This strategic city, previously a stronghold of government and allied forces, is now under rebel control. The rapid fall of Bukavu not only signifies the expanding influence of M23 but also raises concerns about the potential for further territorial gains and the destabilization of the broader Great Lakes region. The Congolese army, along with local militia allies, reportedly maintains control of certain areas, but the overall situation remains fluid and tense.
As of February 2025, more than 7 million people have been displaced in the DRC. This is the world's largest internal displacement.
Why the U.S. and the World Cannot Turn Away
The implications of these atrocities are profound. Survivors of sexual violence face not only immediate physical injuries but also long-term psychological trauma, social stigmatization, and an increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. The breakdown of social structures, displacement, and the pervasive atmosphere of fear further compound their suffering. Moreover, the healthcare system, already strained by years of conflict, is ill-equipped to provide the necessary support and treatment to the growing number of victims.
The international community's response to this crisis has been inadequate. While there have been calls for ceasefires and peace negotiations, tangible actions to protect civilians and address the root causes of the conflict remain insufficient. The European Parliament has urged the suspension of budget support to Rwanda until it severs ties with the M23 rebels, yet the violence continues unabated. Humanitarian organizations are overwhelmed, facing funding cuts and security challenges that hinder their ability to operate effectively.
The U.S., with its influence and diplomatic leverage, must lead an effort to:
Increase sanctions on Rwandan officials and businesses linked to M23.
Provide direct humanitarian aid to victims, particularly survivors of sexual violence.
Hold corporations accountable for sourcing conflict-free minerals, cutting off financial support to armed groups.
Strengthen international efforts to mediate and enforce a lasting ceasefire.
The Broader Implications of the Conflict
The fighting in eastern DRC is not just a local crisis—it has far-reaching implications. The region is a tinderbox, with Rwanda and Uganda vying for influence and Congo’s mineral wealth at the heart of the power struggle. The continued conflict risks escalating into a broader regional war, dragging in neighboring states and exacerbating instability in the region.
The people of Goma, Bukavu, and the broader eastern DRC have endured decades of conflict and suffering. The current escalation not only threatens regional stability but also represents a moral failure on the part of the global community to protect the most vulnerable. It is imperative that we move beyond rhetoric and take concrete steps to end the violence and support survivors.
While the notion of sustainable peace in the region sounds as beautiful as it is utopian, we can hope for at least a limited amount of peace for a limited period of time.
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