The eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is witnessing a resurgence of violence as the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, reportedly backed by Rwandan forces, continue their offensive. Despite recent peace talks mediated in Doha, Qatar, the ceasefire remains fragile, with clashes persisting and civilians bearing the brunt of the conflict.
Territorial Gains and Strategic Advances
Since January 2025, M23 rebels have seized control of key cities, including Goma and Bukavu, leading to significant territorial gains in North and South Kivu provinces. The Congolese army’s withdrawal from these areas has raised concerns about the government’s ability to maintain control and protect its citizens.
Expert Insight: Emmanuel Kotin’s Strategic Commentary
Emmanuel Kotin, Executive Director and Security Analyst at the African Center for Counter Terrorism, emphasizes the complexity of the situation:
“The M23′s resurgence and territorial control underscore the need for a multifaceted approach that addresses not only military aspects but also the underlying political and economic grievances. Regional cooperation and robust peacekeeping efforts are essential to stabilize the region.”
Peace Talks: Progress and Challenges
Despite a joint statement from the DRC government and M23 rebels expressing commitment to a ceasefire, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Continued hostilities and mutual distrust hinder the implementation of peace agreements.
Ceasefire Talks: Stalemates and Shadows
Despite ceasefire efforts, key sticking points include:
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Demilitarization zones and who should control them
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Whether M23 leaders should be granted political roles or amnesty
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Allegations that Rwanda and Uganda are arming and coordinating M23 offensives, which both countries deny
Peace talks in Doha, mediated by Qatari and Angolan diplomats, broke down in early May when M23 accused the DRC government of planning military offensives during negotiation lulls.
“We came to the table in good faith,” M23 spokesperson Bertrand Bisimwa said, “but Kinshasa never intended to keep its promises.”
The Congolese government responded by accusing M23 of using the talks to buy time for reinforceme
One morning, when Gregor Samsa woke from troubled dreams, he found himself transformed in his bed into a horrible vermin. He lay on his armour-like back, and if he lifted his head a little he could see his brown belly, slightly domed and divided by arches into stiff sections. The bedding was hardly able to cover it and seemed ready to slide off any moment. His many legs, pitifully thin compared with the size of the rest of him, waved about helplessly as he looked. “What’s happened to me? ” he thought. It wasn’t a dream.
His room, a proper human room although a little too small, lay peacefully between its four familiar walls. A collection of textile samples lay spread out on the table – Samsa was a travelling salesman – and above it there hung a picture that he had recently cut out of an illustrated magazine and housed in a nice, gilded frame.
Hidden beach paradise that Balinese would never tell you
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Humanitarian Crisis: Lives in Limbo
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that:
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Over 700,000 people have been displaced in 2025 alone
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Camps around Goma and Minova are overcrowded and under-resourced
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Rebel forces are accused of using civilians as human shields and forcibly recruiting boys as fighters
Worse still, health services have collapsed in many areas. Cholera outbreaks have been reported in IDP camps, and Mpox (monkeypox) patients have fled clinics due to looting and gunfire.
“The health system in eastern DRC is bleeding,” warned a Médecins Sans Frontières official. “We are treating gunshot wounds with paracetamol and prayer.”
