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Goma, a city of two million people on the north end of Lake Kivu, has been captured by M23 / Rwandan forces. Bukavu, on the south end of Lake Kivu, will likely soon fall as well. A quick Internet search will reveal scenes of widespread death and destruction while civilians flee. It has become a huge human tragedy, yet it feels like the world has determined that this conflict is not worth watching.
Jason Stearns has been a dependable analyst of Congo. For an excellent summary explanation of the current situation, we highly recommend that you review this article: https://www.passblue.com/2025/02/02/goma-congo-understanding-the-m23-and-rdf-attack
This conflict is a continuation of the Rwandan genocide and tribal conflict. Rwanda claims that ethic Tutsi who fled into Congo have not received their fair rights and protections as promised by Congo. Rwanda has supported the M23 rebels for many years and it is fascinating to watch a vastly smaller country to the DRC maintain a vastly superior army. Jason explains that successive DRC presidents never wanted a strong professional army as the army would be the biggest threat to their power and literally their lives. Better to create multiple divisions so army generals can vie for influence. Better to allow the generals to pilfer funds to keep them loyal. But the end result is a pathetic shell of an army, manned by unpaid or underpaid untrained conscripts who haven’t yet figured out how to escape. A DRC army that on paper can field ten times the number of solders but have no fighting capability.
Diplomatically, Rwanda plays the game well. They have become vital for France and other nations for their influence in the area. There appears to be no international pressure on Rwanda to cease and desist.
This broad area is rich in critical mineral resources. Many expect Rwanda to take over and exploit these resources. There are discussions of another complete takeover of Congo by Rwandan forces, reminiscent of the tragic Congo Wars which would be a dramatic event for Africa.
Bens in Congo 