The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been plagued by years of violence and conflict, especially in the eastern region, where the M23 rebel group has been a major threat to peace and stability. This ongoing battle has not only affected the Congolese population but has also involved foreign troops, particularly from South Africa and Rwanda, whose roles in the conflict have sparked international debate. As the situation continues to escalate, the loss of soldiers and the suffering of civilians have brought even more global attention to the DRC. But what’s happening on the ground, and how do foreign soldiers fit into this complex conflict?
What is the M23 Rebel Group?
The March 23 Movement (M23) is a rebel group that first emerged in 2012 in the DRC. The group primarily consists of former members of the National Congress for the Defense of the People (CNDP), a militia that had already been active in the region for years. M23 takes its name from the date it was officially founded—March 23, 2009—when the government signed a peace deal with the CNDP. However, the group accused the Congolese government of not upholding the peace agreement, leading them to take up arms once again.
M23’s stated mission is to fight for the rights and security of the Tutsi ethnic group in eastern Congo, but the situation is far more complicated. Many experts believe that M23 has broader political and military objectives, including control over key mineral-rich areas in the region. There is also strong evidence suggesting that Rwanda has been covertly supporting M23, which has led to increased tension between the two nations. While Rwanda has denied any official involvement, the DRC government insists that Rwanda is providing military aid to M23 rebels, a claim that has fueled anger and distrust. M23 has periodically attacked military and civilian targets, leading to thousands of deaths and displacements, making the group a significant threat to regional stability.
South African Troops in the DRC
South Africa has been involved in peacekeeping efforts in the DRC for over two decades, primarily under the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). The country has sent troops to help stabilize the region and support the DRC’s government forces in their battle against various rebel groups, including M23. South Africa’s involvement is part of its broader commitment to peace and security in Africa, particularly in conflict zones like the DRC.
What Happened to South African Soldiers?
In January 2025, the tragic loss of 14 South African soldiers highlighted the dangers of peacekeeping missions in the DRC. These soldiers were part of a multinational force tasked with protecting civilians and maintaining order in the conflict zones of North Kivu. However, when the M23 rebels launched a major offensive on the strategic city of Goma, a heavy battle ensued, leading to significant casualties on both sides. The South African soldiers, stationed as part of the United Nations peacekeeping force, found themselves on the front lines of the fighting.
The South African government quickly repatriated the bodies of the fallen soldiers, holding official ceremonies to honor their bravery. These tragic deaths have ignited debates within South Africa about whether the country should continue to send troops into such high-risk areas. Many citizens and political leaders are questioning the effectiveness of the peacekeeping mission and whether the country should rethink its military commitments abroad, especially after such significant losses.
Are Rwandan Soldiers Fighting in the DRC?
Rwanda, despite its official denials, is widely believed to be playing an active role in supporting the M23 rebels. Satellite imagery and intelligence reports have provided mounting evidence of Rwandan military support, including the direct involvement of Rwandan soldiers in combat against DRC forces. While the Rwandan government has repeatedly denied these accusations, the growing body of evidence has made it difficult to ignore.
Evidence of Rwandan Casualties
As the fighting between M23 and DRC forces intensified, a troubling pattern began to emerge: the death toll among Rwandan soldiers has been rising. Roughly 600 new graves were discovered in Kigali, Rwanda’s capital, suggesting that hundreds of Rwandan troops may have been killed in the fighting. Further reports indicate that some of these soldiers were buried in mass graves inside the DRC because logistical challenges prevented their repatriation. These revelations have raised serious concerns about Rwanda’s role in the conflict and its potential violation of international law.
This ongoing crisis has placed Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame under increasing pressure from the international community and from within his own country to acknowledge the extent of Rwanda’s involvement. While the government in Kigali continues to deny direct military engagement, reports from human rights groups, as well as testimonies from local sources, suggest a different reality. Rwanda’s backing of M23 rebels has led to an even more dangerous and complex situation in the region, with many calling for diplomatic negotiations to resolve the issue.
The Battle for Goma
Goma, a vital city on the edge of Lake Kivu in North Kivu province, has been a focal point of the conflict. The city is home to approximately 2 million people and is crucial for both humanitarian aid operations and regional trade. Over the past few years, Goma has been repeatedly attacked by various rebel groups, but the latest wave of violence has been particularly devastating.
In early 2025, M23 forces captured key parts of the city, pushing thousands of civilians to flee in fear. The fighting has led to widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure, and many people are now living in overcrowded refugee camps. The humanitarian situation is dire, with limited access to food, water, and medical care.
The capture of Goma by M23 has intensified international concern about the future of the DRC. The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire, urging all parties to halt the violence and engage in diplomatic talks. The global community has expressed its solidarity with the people of Goma, but the situation remains fragile, with no clear resolution in sight.
What Happens Next?
The future of the DRC is uncertain. There is growing pressure on President Félix Tshisekedi, the leader of the DRC, to find a way to push the M23 rebels out of Goma and restore order to the country. At the same time, Rwanda’s role in the conflict continues to be a contentious issue that needs to be addressed through diplomatic channels. South Africa is also reconsidering its continued involvement in the region, especially after the recent losses.
In the meantime, the humanitarian crisis worsens, and civilian suffering continues to escalate. International efforts to resolve the conflict, including calls for negotiations between the DRC, Rwanda, and M23, have not yet led to meaningful peace. For now, the fate of Goma—and the broader region—remains in limbo.
Why Does This Matter?
The situation in the DRC is not just a local issue; it has wide-reaching implications for the entire central African region. The conflict threatens to spill over into neighboring countries, destabilizing an already volatile area. Moreover, the involvement of foreign powers like Rwanda and South Africa makes this a matter of international concern. If the violence continues, the long-term stability of the Great Lakes region could be at risk, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.
The international community must respond swiftly and effectively to address the root causes of the conflict and support peace initiatives that prioritize the well-being of civilians. For the people of the DRC, the hope for peace and security feels distant, but there is still an opportunity to negotiate a peaceful resolution if all parties are willing to engage in dialogue.
By: Maryam Bint-Khaliaf
