The escalating conflict has grounded flights at Goma’s airport and resulted in fierce clashes with government forces. Nine South African soldiers were killed, and dozens injured in the fighting, highlighting the gravity of the crisis.  

Stephanie Wolters, a Great Lakes Region Analyst and Senior Research Fellow at the South African Institute of International Affairs attributes the recent escalation to the collapse of peace talks.

Speaking to Channel Africa, Wolters explained that the Luanda talks between Rwanda and the DRC hit an impasse, with both sides accusing each other of bad faith. Rwanda’s backing of the M23 rebels and its broader territorial ambitions in eastern DRC have further fuelled tensions.  

“The M23 has gained substantial ground in recent months, controlling 30% more territory. It’s clear they aim to establish parallel administrations and retain control over their territories,” Wolters noted. While Rwanda justifies its involvement by citing security concerns, Wolters dismissed these claims, saying the threat from the FDLR, a militia linked to the Rwandan genocide, has been negligible for over 20 years.  

The conflict has created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with over 400 000 people displaced in January alone. Wolters emphasised the urgency of addressing the regional drivers of instability, particularly the role of neighbouring states like Rwanda and Uganda, which have vested interests in the conflict.  

South Africa's peacekeeping mission in the region faces formidable challenges, with Wolters warning that the crisis cannot be resolved militarily.

“The M23 rebellion is just one of many regional and domestic armed groups destabilising the region. A sustainable solution requires a comprehensive regional peace process,” she said.  

--ChannelAfrica--