M23 Rebels Tighten Grip on Eastern Congo: International Community Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

Unprecedented Territorial Expansion

The M23 rebel group has made significant advances in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), capturing the major cities of Goma and Bukavu, the provincial capitals of North Kivu and South Kivu, in early 2025. Most recently, the rebels pushed deeper into the region, seizing the strategic mining hub of Walikale, despite calls for ceasefire from both DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame during their meeting in Doha.

International Response and Humanitarian Crisis

The United Nations Security Council has strongly condemned the ongoing M23 offensives in the North and South Kivu provinces, demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities and withdrawal from controlled areas. In response to the crisis, Canada has suspended export permits and government relations with Rwanda, while pledging 15 million Canadian dollars in humanitarian aid for affected populations.

Mineral Resources and Economic Impact

According to UN reports, the M23 rebel group generated approximately $800 million in revenue from coltan mining between April and December 2024, with the minerals being illegally exported through Rwanda. The region, desperately poor but rich in minerals used in electronics and mobile phones, has become a critical mineral smuggling route into Rwanda, with rebels reportedly smuggling at least 150 metric tons of coltan into Rwanda last year.

Regional Tensions and Security Concerns

The situation has escalated to dangerous levels, with reports of gunfire across Goma and direct military exchanges between DRC and Rwandan troops along their shared border. Rwanda claims the fighting near its border presents a serious threat to its security and territorial integrity, while UN experts have reported that Rwanda has deployed 3,000-4,000 soldiers and provided significant firepower to support M23.

Humanitarian Impact and Displacement

The M23 rebels’ offensive threatens to dramatically worsen one of Africa’s longest wars, with over a third of North Kivu province’s population currently displaced. The situation has become increasingly dire, with reports that M23 rebels have abducted at least 130 sick and wounded people from hospitals in Goma.