KIGALI, Rwanda — On Thursday, Rwandan President Paul Kagame called for Congolese officials to engage in negotiations with the M23 rebel group, which has recently expanded its territorial control over eastern Congo, a region adjacent to Rwanda. The M23 has emerged as the most prominent among over 100 armed factions vying for dominance in this mineral-rich area, which has already seen more than 1 million individuals displaced due to ongoing violence last year. Recently, the rebels captured two significant towns, Katale and Masisi, with the latter situated approximately 80 kilometers (49 miles) from Goma, the regional capital that serves as a critical artery into the interior of Congo.
During a press briefing in Kigali, Kagame emphasized that neglecting to establish direct communication with the M23 rebels demonstrates a reluctance to pursue a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. He stated, “There has to be an effort to continue finding a solution. The solution lies in internal political processes or dialogue.” However, Congolese authorities have continuously accused Rwanda of supporting M23 and have rebuffed Kagame’s offers to initiate negotiations. United Nations analysts suggest that as many as 4,000 Rwandan troops may be present in Congo.
The M23 group first gained attention a decade ago following its capture of Goma, which also borders Rwanda. The group is named after a peace agreement established on March 23, 2009, which they claim the Congolese government has failed to honor. After a prolonged period of inactivity, M23 re-emerged in late 2021, quickly taking control of vast areas in eastern Congo.
A ceasefire was signed between Congo and M23 in July, aimed at curbing hostilities, but fighting has reignited, prompting the U.S. to express serious concern regarding violations of the ceasefire by the rebel forces. Besides advocating for discussions with M23 leadership, Kagame pointed out that Congolese authorities must address national security threats posed by another militia group, known in French as the FDLR.
Kagame noted that the FDLR consists of individuals allegedly involved in the 1994 Rwandan genocide and that they have integrated into the Congolese military. He remarked, “The FDLR question has to be answered,” accusing Congo’s government of mistreating its citizens, which leads many to seek refuge in Rwanda.
The ongoing rebellion by M23 has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands in North Kivu province in recent years. Although M23 officials claim to prioritize the protection of civilians, their military actions have sparked widespread fear and panic among local populations, forcing them to flee. In an unprecedented move last February, the U.S. State Department labeled M23 as a “Rwanda-backed” armed entity and urged Rwanda to withdraw its military personnel from Congo and eliminate its surface-to-air missile systems. United Nations experts have previously stated that there is substantial evidence supporting the involvement of Rwandan forces in operations aiding M23.
