M23

The US has imposed sanctions on Rwandan firms allegedly involved in trading conflict minerals that fund the M23 militia. This action highlights increased international attention on the conflict mineral trade exacerbating violence in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The US-brokered peace deal between DR Congo and Rwanda turns one, but stalled troop withdrawals and M23 talks keep eastern Congo on edge.

The article examines whether President Tshisekedi's attempt to secure a third term in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) benefits the country. It highlights concerns that a loss of democratic credibility could weaken diplomatic progress and embolden M23's push for autonomy in eastern DRC.

The article examines whether President Tshisekedi's bid for a third term in Congo-Kinshasa could benefit Rwanda and the M23 rebel group. A loss of democratic credibility in the DRC might weaken diplomatic progress and embolden M23's push for autonomy in the eastern region.

Congo filed a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Rwanda, accusing it of legal responsibility for decades of violence in eastern Congo, including massacres, torture, and ethnic discrimination. The case alleges Rwanda violated international conventions on genocide and human rights, citing Rwandan-backed groups like M23 as perpetrators. Rwanda has denied backing armed groups, though UN experts have found evidence of its involvement.

Congo filed an ICJ case against Rwanda, accusing it of violating international conventions on genocide, discrimination, and torture through decades of violence in eastern Congo. The conflict, involving Rwandan-backed groups like M23, has caused severe humanitarian crises, with the U.S. recently sanctioning a Rwanda-based gold refinery linked to M23. This is Congo's third ICJ attempt, following dismissed cases in 2001 and 2006.

Congo filed a case at the International Court of Justice against Rwanda, accusing it of legal responsibility for decades of violence in eastern Congo, including breaches of international conventions on genocide, discrimination, and torture. The conflict, linked to Rwanda-backed armed groups like M23, has caused widespread civilian suffering, with the U.N. calling it one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises.

The Rwandan government has dismissed allegations in a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report, accusing HRW of selective scrutiny that targets Rwanda and the M23 while downplaying abuses by Congolese forces and their allies.

Rwanda and the M23 group are accused of forcibly recruiting and detaining thousands in Congo-Kinshasa's eastern provinces. Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports rampant abuses against civilians and ex-soldiers in the region.

An India-Africa summit has been postponed due to the spread of Ebola into M23-controlled areas of eastern DR Congo. The outbreak response efforts are being significantly hindered by ongoing armed conflict in the region.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame dismissed US sanctions imposed on Rwanda's military in March, stating they will not change Kigali's position on eastern DR Congo. The US sanctioned Rwanda for allegedly funding M23 rebels and violating a ceasefire, while Rwanda claims its involvement aims to counter the FDLR militia. Kagame asserted that pursuing national interests is worth the cost of international restrictions.

Since 2026, at least four deadly landslides at the Rubaya coltan mines in the DRC have killed hundreds of people, with the true casualty count unclear due to M23's control restricting journalist access. Bellingcat used open-source methods to verify incidents, confirming villages were engulfed and residents killed, while authorities attribute the disasters to heavy rains during peak rainy season.

A Congolese militia group called M23 wants to sell rare-earth mines to Donald Trump, revealing the rebels' weaknesses. The pitch was exclusively revealed to The Economist. This move may have significant implications for the region and global politics.