Conflicts often take place in the DR Congo. Armed conflicts that involve the government force and rebel groups including the M23 and ADF (the Allied Democratic Forces) —and result in widespread violence —have thus far led to the deaths of thousands of people, the displacement of millions of people and human rights abuses and impacted the country in several other ways. But armed attacks have increased in the last several months, leading to concerns. According to multiple sources including the BBC and CNN, more than 40 people were killed across the Democratic Republic of Congo’s troubled North Kivu province during the last several weeks. Since the beginning of 2024, more than 738,000 people have also been newly displaced.
It is notable that resource-based, political and other factors are responsible for armed conflicts between government and rebel groups in DR Congo, which were in wars with neighboring counties such as Rwanda and Uganda that were resolved by several peace agreements such as the Sun City Agreement in 2002, the Pretoria Accord in 2002 and the Luanda Agreement in 2002. Competition for control over natural resources, historical grievances, ethnic tensions and political instability are some notable reasons for conflicts. Additionally, conflicting relations with neighboring countries including Rwanda, the presence of numerous armed groups within the DR Congo and foreign interference exacerbate the situation, making resolution difficult. Rwanda and Uganda and militia groups with their support have financial stakes in Congolese mines.
Peace treaty-based, military-based and other steps have been made to address conflicts and establish peace in the DR Congo, which has been facing one of the most substantial displacement crises globally, with approximately 6.9 million internally people displaced, for years. The 2013 Nairobi Peace Deal, reached with the support of international organizations and neighboring countries, played an important role in reducing conflicts between the government and the rebel group in the DR Congo. Additionally, along with the deployment of the UN Intervention Brigade that aimed to fight and disarm M23 rebels in the east, continued peace efforts with rebels and diplomatic relations between the government and the rebel group helped improve situations.
But there were diverse flaws in the steps. There is a lack of implementation of the 2013 Nairobi Peace Deal. Moreover — and importantly — there remains an absence of a comprehensive and inclusive approach to address the root causes of conflict with rebels in DR Congo, which has numerous rebel groups in Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tanganyika provinces where many such groups regularly perpetrate widespread violations and abuses against civilians, along with reaching peace deals. The role of international security forces has also been inconsistent and controversial for several years. Among others, there is a failure to bring peace with neighboring Rwanda, from which many Hutus settled in eastern Congo after the Rwandan genocide in 1994.
Steps are vital to mitigate conflicts. Military based responses are definitely crucial to fighting rebels and protecting civilians. But the emphasis needs to be given to implementing the peace deal and transforming M23 into a legitimate political party. Though the emphasis is needed more to violent eastern region, a complete approach is vital to address the root causes of conflicts in the entire DR Congo including grievances over the marginalization of the ethnic Tutsi minority, along with reaching peace with other rebels. But engaging in dialogue and negotiation is crucial. The good intentions of the parties including the M23 are also vital.
But improved relations with neighboring countries including Rwanda, which is criticized for its support to the M23 rebel group and maintains a significant military presence in eastern DRC and along the countries’ shared border, are vital. The implementation of the previous peace treaties including the 2002 Pretoria Accord signed with Rwanda will be helpful —immensely. But a strong commitment of the parties is also vital for this. International steps are crucial to mitigate conflicts between the DR Congo and rebel groups and reduce tensions between the DR Congo and Rwanda.
