The M23 (March 23) rebel group is among 100-plus militias vying for control in DRC’s mineral-rich east. Not only does it boast the most troops and heavy equipment, it also enjoys – as mounting evidence indicates – the backing of Congo’s neighbour, Rwanda. With two more towns falling to the M23 rebels in the first week of 2025, Kigali has been accused of ratcheting-up operations in the country. Last year, the UN said up to 4,000 Rwandan troops had been deployed to fight alongside the militants.
This week, we shine the spotlight on facts that highlight Rwanda’s military, political and financial support for M23. Kigali used to deny allegations it supported the M23, but all last year it simply refused to comment. That may be because the evidence is now hard to deny. What do you think?
SOURCES
https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n23/364/37/pdf/n2336437.pdf?token=EFPLWawwgkdCbF3qnX&fe=true
https://www.military.africa/2024/02/rwanda-fires-anti-aircraft-missile-again-in-drc/?amp=1
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9wlzg7xn0no
https://apnews.com/article/un-congo-rwanda-troops-m23-panel-experts-8619a4ce5727a7fec85808ef76762d9b