By Kamille Q. Cabreza
Tensions in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remain high, especially in its eastern provinces.
The rebel March 23 Movement has taken over several crucial cities with support believed to be coming from Rwanda, which has led to humanitarian tragedies and mass displacement.
More than seven million people have been displaced, according to the United Nations, with over 100,000 of them taking sanctuary in nearby nations like Uganda and Burundi.
Human rights violations and international condemnation
On May 27, 2025, the M23 rebels were accused by Amnesty International of committing potential war crimes, including enforced disappearances, torture and wrongful detentions in two cities controlled by the rebels.
Amnesty stated that it conducted interviews with 18 civilians imprisoned by M23 in Goma and Bukavu between February and April after they were said to have supported the Congolese government or army.
According to the ex-detainees, the rebels did not provide any proof for these charges and some of them were not told why they were being held.
Without enough food, drink, sanitary facilities, or medical attention, they were detained in filthy, overcrowded cells, the rights group said.
Many reported witnessing the brutal conditions and abuse that led to the deaths of their fellow prisoners, as per The Associated Press.
Such sufferings led the UN Security Council on February 21 to unanimously adopt Resolution 2773, which demanded an immediate cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Rwandan forces from DRC territory, and the collapse of parallel state institutions set up by the M23.
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Diplomatic efforts and peace initiatives
Angola has stepped in to mediate peace negotiations between the M23 rebels and the DRC government to somehow ease the growing war.
Such an intervention encouraged willingness from both parties to participate in direct negotiations in contrast to their prior positions.
The United States is also mediating talks to reach an agreement with the DRC on minerals for infrastructure, provided that Rwandan troops and M23 fighters leave eastern Congo.
An agreement with the US will help “diversify our partnerships,” lowering the DR Congo’s reliance on China for the exploitation of its enormous natural treasures, Kizito Pakabomba, the country’s mining minister, told the Financial Times on May 25.
Political developments and internal challenges
Following a time in self-imposed exile, former Congolese President Joseph Kabila has returned to the DRC.
Kabila, who has put up a 12-point plan to restore peace and state authority, has denied accusations that he supports the M23 rebels.
“The former president called us to express his wish to see peace return,” Joel Amurani, senior bishop and president of the Religious Denominations Platform, was quoted as saying after the meeting with top religious leaders in Goma on May 30.
“We told him to play the role of referee. For 18 years, he has worked for the unity of this country, and he still possesses this talent to contribute to the return of peace,” Amurani added.
His comeback gives the already complicated political scene a new angle and could have an impact on current peace initiatives.
Outlook and international response
The situation is still unstable despite diplomatic efforts. With a focus on respect for sovereignty, stopping outside assistance to armed groups, and safeguarding human rights, the international community is still calling for a peaceful conclusion.
The commitment of all parties involved to have honest and productive conversations will be essential to the success of these initiatives.
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