As of February 2025, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to grapple with escalating conflict, particularly in its eastern regions. The resurgence of the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels, allegedly backed by the Rwandan Army and supports pro-Tutsi identity in Greater Congo, has intensified violence, leading to significant territorial losses for the Congolese government and severe humanitarian crises. Recent developments include the capture of key cities such as Goma and Bukavu, both strategically significant, with Bukavu being near Burundi, which currently has active military operations in the DRC to combat Burundian rebels. These conflicts caused over 400,000 people being displaced since the beginning of the year. 

In response to the deteriorating situation, the Congolese government has sought military assistance from neighboring countries. Ugandan forces have entered the eastern city of Bunia to support local troops in curbing violence perpetrated by armed groups. This intervention aims to stabilize the region but also raises concerns about the potential for a broader regional conflict reminiscent of past wars in the DRC.

The M23 is a Tutsi-dominated Congolese rebel group formed at around 2009-2012 in response to another rebel group, the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP), perceived as perpetrators of crime, receiving the offer to sign a peace treaty by and with the Congolese government. Twelve years or so later, the recent escalations by the M23 unfolds. As a bonus information, the Tutsis were the victims of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

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