What is happening in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)?

Context: M23 Militia group has captured the city of Goma which lies at the east of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Relevance of the Topic: Prelims: Location-based question.

About the Issue

The M23 militia (primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis) backed by Rwanda, has captured the mineral-rich city of Goma (a city in DRC), near the Rwanda-DRC border.
The conflict which began in January 2025 has resulted in over 2,900 deaths, displacement of nearly 700,000 people and intensifying tensions between DRC and Rwanda.
Moreover, clashes are spreading southwards toward Bukavu, another resource-rich region in the South Kivu province (a province in DRC).

Traditional ethnic conflict rooted in Hutu-Tutsi tensions.
- Hutu & Tutsi are two ethnic groups primarily found in Rwanda, Burundi and Eastern DRC.
Resource control: Eastern DRC is rich in gold, coltan (a dull black metallic ore from which the elements niobium and tantalum are extracted) and rare minerals, crucial for electronics.
Goma’s strategic importance: Goma is a vital trading hub, capturing which strengthens M23’s hold over trade routes and mineral supply chains.

Colonial Rule: Belgium and Germany ruled Rwanda through a Tutsi monarchy, granting privileges to the Tutsi minority over the Hutu majority.
Hutu-Tutsi Conflicts led to the 1959 Hutu revolution, overthrowing the monarchy and resulting in Tutsi persecution.
Rwandan Independence (1962): Hutus gained political control, escalating ethnic divides.

It was sparked by the assassination of President Juvénal Habyarimana (a Hutu), leading to mass killings. 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were massacred within 100 days.
The Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), led by Paul Kagame, ended the genocide and took control of Rwanda.
Hutu Militants in DRC: Two million Hutus, including genocide perpetrators, fled to eastern DRC.

First Congo war (1996-97): Rwanda and Uganda invaded DRC, overthrowing Mobutu Sese Seko.
Second Congo war (1998-2003): It involved nine countries and multiple armed groups, leading to five million deaths.
The Eastern DRC region remains unstable, with over 120 armed groups involved in ongoing violence.

It is a group formed in 2012, named after the failed March 23, 2009, peace agreement between the DRC government and former rebels.
It claims to defend the interests of Tutsis in the region, but is also accused of war crimes.
First captured Goma in 2012, later defeated, resurfaced in 2022 due to the DRC government's failure to meet its promises.
It is currently led by Sultani Makenga, operating in North Kivu province of DRC.

Escalation could lead to broader/full-scale regional war in DRC, Rwanda and Uganda.
Could lead to increased Western scrutiny on Rwanda’s alleged support for M23.
Ongoing humanitarian crisis due to mass displacement and violence.