The resurgence of the M23 rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reignited tensions in the region, with the group claiming to fight for the interests of the minority Tutsi community in eastern DRC. The M23, a rebel group with deep past roots, first emerged over a decade ago, only to disarm and relocate to camps in Uganda following a peace deal. Though, three years ago, the group began leaving these camps, alleging that the deal had not been honored. Within months, they were seizing territory once again, showcasing thier growing strength and refined operations [[3]].
The M23’s operations are highly organized, with recruits undergoing rigorous training at their main base in Tchanzu, located in hilly terrain near Rwanda’s border.According to a UN group of experts, this training spans five months and includes both theoretical and practical elements such as “war tactics,” “engagement rules,” and “bush tactics.” The presence of Rwandan officers at the camp has been noted, with recruits—some voluntary, others forcibly conscripted—being brought in through systematic operations involving local chiefs [[3]].
Sultani Makenga, the M23’s military chief and a former fighter for Rwandan President Paul kagame in the early 1990s, has been actively involved in the group’s activities. He attended passing-out ceremonies between September 25 and October 31, 2024, which involved 3,000 recruits. Despite these reports, Rwanda’s spokesperson, Yolande Makolo, has denied allegations of recruiting child soldiers, calling the claims “absurd” and “blatant information warfare against Rwanda” [[3]].
The M23’s strength has grown significantly since May, with estimates placing their numbers at around 3,000.Additionally, UN experts have reported that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan army troops are operating in the DRC, a claim supported by authenticated photographs, drone footage, video recordings, testimonies, and intelligence. Captured M23 fighters have referred to these Rwandan troops as the “Pleasant Force,” a term that has been generically used even in non-English contexts [[3]].Despite the presence of UN peacekeeping missions and regional forces, the M23 has continued to evade containment. The UN mission,deployed since 1999,is not mandated to go on the offensive,while regional forces—first from East Africa and later from southern Africa—have failed to curb the group’s activities.This has raised concerns about the M23’s ability to sustain its operations and the broader implications for regional stability [[3]].
Key Points on the M23 Conflict
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Origins | Fights for the interests of the Tutsi minority in eastern DRC. |
| First Uprising | Ended with a peace deal, leading to disarmament and relocation to Uganda. |
| Resurgence | Began three years ago, citing unfulfilled peace agreements. |
| Training | Five-month program at Tchanzu base, including war and bush tactics. |
| Rwandan Involvement | Rwandan officers present; 3,000-4,000 Rwandan troops reportedly in DRC. |
| Leadership | Sultani Makenga, former Rwandan fighter, leads military operations. |
| UN and Regional Forces| Failed to contain M23 despite deployments.|
The M23’s resurgence underscores the complexities of the conflict in the DRC, with regional dynamics and external involvement playing significant roles. As the group continues to expand its operations, the international community faces mounting challenges in addressing the crisis and restoring peace to the region.
