In the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, the rebel faction, helmed by Corneille Nangaa, is resolute on maintaining their fight despite international sanctions and the potential minerals deal that Congo is considering with the United States in a bid for peace. Meanwhile, neighboring countries have put together a peace facilitation team in an effort to bring the conflict to an end.
With a $5 million bounty on their leaders issued by the government of Congo, Nangaa, leading the Congo River Alliance which includes the M23 rebel group, declared their commitment to fighting fiercely for their nation’s future. He dismissed the statement by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi about seeking a mineral partnership with the U.S., despite the nation’s substantial mineral wealth critical for global technology.
The American government has not commented publicly on any minerals deal, but some local observers liken the potential agreement to the Trump administration’s offer to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. Nangaa expressed skepticism over foreign involvement, stating, “This problem can be better resolved by the concerned Congolese, not foreigners with different geopolitical agendas.” He warned that any attempt to use their country’s resources as leverage could potentially damage U.S. credibility.
Nangaa also criticized the recent talks between Congolese and Rwandan leaders in Qatar, asserting that any peace moves excluding his group are doomed to fail. He stressed any negotiations must address the grievances and underlying issues fueling the conflict, stating, “Anything regarding us which are done without us, it’s against us.”
Since escalating hostilities with government forces earlier this year, the M23 rebels have taken control of major cities Goma and Bukavu, along with several towns in eastern Congo, heightening fears of a broader regional conflict involving neighboring countries with troop deployments in the region.
Attempts to secure a ceasefire faltered last week after the rebels exited talks, objecting to European Union sanctions on their leaders. Following the withdrawal of Angola’s president and the African Union chairperson Joao Lourenco as a chief negotiator, southern and eastern African leaders at a recent summit appointed a panel of five former African presidents to pursue a peaceful resolution. This panel is set to choose a new mediator to continue negotiations.
Simultaneously, the M23 rebels have postponed a planned withdrawal from the crucial town of Walikale, citing the presence of Congolese forces and attack drones compromising peace efforts. Holding Walikale allows the rebels to control logistic routes connecting four provinces—North Kivu, South Kivu, Tshopo, and Maniema—thereby isolating Congolese army positions.
The M23 remains the most formidable among approximately 100 armed groups vying for dominance in eastern Congo. Primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis who were unable to join the Congolese army, the group claims to protect Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan descent from discrimination. Although United Nations experts reported up to 4,000 troops from Rwanda supporting the rebels, Nangaa insisted their alliance is independent and aims to solve the entrenched instability that has plagued the region for over three decades.