M23: Rebels who lost their cause

A militia that goes by the name of a peace agreement presents a paradoxical situation. The M23, or the Mouvement Du March 23, operates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo with support from Rwanda.

Following a failed truce agreement signed on March 23, 2009, the militia captured the city of Goma in eastern Congo’s North Kivu on January 27. The group has now advanced towards South Kivu province and is positioned near the capital city of Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern DRC.

The origins of the M23 are linked to the protection of minority Tutsis from Hutu ethnic militias. Formed in 2012 by members of the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), which stemmed from the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), the group has noble intentions despite its controversial actions.

The persecution of Tutsis dates back to colonial times, with many Tutsis migrating to neighboring countries even before Rwanda’s independence in 1962. The Rwandan genocide of 1994 shed light on the plight of the Tutsis, with widespread atrocities committed by Hutu extremists.

Rwanda’s involvement

Following the genocide, Hutus fled Rwanda fearing reprisals, with some individuals forming the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) in the DRC. Rwanda, led by President Paul Kagame, has taken measures to prevent attacks by Hutu militias, including military interventions.

Rwanda’s support for the M23 stems from the shared goal of combating Hutu militias in the region. Despite facing criticism, Rwanda has made significant progress under Kagame’s leadership.

The M23’s activities have been marked by periods of conflict and relative calm. The group emerged in 2012, capturing Goma before facing opposition from UN peacekeepers and the Congolese military.

After a brief hiatus, the M23 resurfaced in late 2021, seizing control of strategic regions in the DRC. Accusations of human rights abuses and collaboration with Rwandan troops have tarnished the group’s reputation.

The M23’s actions have led to casualties and displacement of civilians, highlighting the ongoing crisis in the region. The group’s pursuit of territorial and financial gains has had devastating consequences for the Congolese population.