Is Central Africa heading for another devastating war? Tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have reached a critical point, with fears mounting that the two nations are on the brink of full-scale war. In late January 2025, the rebel group M23—widely believed to be backed by Rwanda—launched a major offensive, seizing key territory in eastern Congo, including parts of North Kivu province. The escalation has forced hundreds of thousands to flee, with reports of intense fighting between M23 and Congolese government forces. As the UN demands Rwanda’s withdrawal and international pressure grows, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi has declared that unless Rwanda ceases its involvement, war may be inevitable.
This crisis is deeply rooted in history, stemming from the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and decades of instability in eastern Congo. Rwanda argues that its actions are aimed at neutralizing Hutu militant groups, particularly the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (DFLR), which it sees as a direct threat to its security. However, many analysts suggest that Rwanda’s intervention may also be driven by economic and territorial ambitions, with reports indicating that Rwanda has been illicitly benefiting from Congo’s vast mineral wealth. As regional and global powers, including South Africa, the United States, and the UN, attempt to mediate, the risk of a prolonged and devastating conflict remains high. Could this be Africa’s next major war, or is there still hope for a diplomatic resolution?
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*VIDEO CHAPTERS*
00:00 Introduction and Titles
01:38 Rwanda and DR Congo: Location and Population
02:39 The Emergence of DR Congo and Rwanda
04:36 The 1994 Rwanda Genocide
06:41 Rwandan Insurgents in Congo: DFLR and M23
09:16 January 2025 Fighting in Eastern Congo
11:24 What Lies Behind Rwanda’s Invasion of DR Congo?
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