Why is DRC Conflict happening?
DRC vs M23/Rwanda · Since 2022-11-01
📋What is happening?
The Democratic Republic of Congo faces its worst crisis in decades as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured large swaths of North Kivu province, including the city of Goma (1 million population) in February 2026. The conflict involves overlapping militia groups, regional proxy interests, and competition for vast mineral wealth.
👥Who is fighting?
M23 (March 23 Movement) is a Tutsi-led rebel group widely documented as receiving support from Rwanda. The FARDC (DRC army) is supported by the UN MONUSCO mission and southern African SADC force. Rwanda denies supporting M23 despite overwhelming evidence. Uganda, Burundi, and Zimbabwe have troops in DRC. Dozens of other armed groups operate in eastern Congo.
❓Why did it start?
The conflict stems from the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, ethnic tensions between Hutu and Tutsi communities, competition for coltan/cobalt/gold mines, weak DRC state governance, and Rwanda's security concerns about FDLR (Hutu extremist group) in Congo.
📰What's the latest?
As of April 2026, M23 controls Goma and much of North Kivu. FARDC counteroffensive has partially rolled back gains. Peace talks in Angola have stalled. Over 7 million people are displaced in eastern DRC, making it one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.
📍Where is it happening?
Eastern DRC, primarily North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. Key locations: Goma (captured by M23 February 2026), Bukavu, Butembo, Rutshuru. The Rwanda-DRC border is the epicenter.