Geopolitical Conflict
Escalation of violence in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo between Congolese security forces
Intensified fighting between Congolese forces and the Rwandan‑backed M23 rebels continues to destabilize eastern DRC, with renewed offensives and civilian casualties reported.
In early 2025, fighting between Congolese security forces and the Rwandan‑backed M23 armed group escalated rapidly, culminating in M23’s capture of Goma, the regional hub of eastern DRC on the Rwandan border. Rwanda is assessed as providing significant ground support to M23, with three to four thousand troops involved. This escalation has aggravated nationwide political violence, including surges in Kinshasa after the DRC’s December 2023 national elections. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts and ceasefire agreements brokered in Doha and Washington, both sides continue to accuse each other of violations, and drone strikes, cross‑border attacks, and territorial shifts persist, particularly around key mineral‑rich areas such as Rubaya and in the Kivu provinces.
- Status
- active
- Location
- Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, including Goma and Rubaya, North Kivu Province
- Date added
- 2026-03-25 10:24 UTC
- Last updated
- 2026-03-25 10:24 UTC
- Connected threats
-
- Not Available