As tensions escalate in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the presence of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) remains more vital than ever. Eastern DRC’s largest city of Goma, a major population center and important logistics hub in one of the world’s richest mining regions, has been the focus of a sophisticated military advance by Rwandan-backed M23 forces. In the last week alone, 100,000 civilians − half of which are children − have been forced to flee their homes.
The crisis not only underscores the ongoing turmoil within the DRC and broader geopolitical stakes at play – but the incomparable role of UN peacekeepers.
Here’s what we currently know.
How We Got Here
The M23, or March 23 Movement, is a rebel group opposed by the DRC government and backed by neighboring Rwanda, totaling around 10,000 fighters and continuing to grow. The group’s military offensive has gained significant momentum, particularly since late 2023, when it seized Goma and began advancing south toward resource-rich mining regions critical to the DRC’s economy. Abundant with vast reserves of gold, cobalt and coltan, Rwanda tapped the M23 to shore up its western border by eradicating Hutu rebels and leveraging resources vital for its economic development.
In 2023, the Congolese government requested to close MONUSCO, driven in part by President Félix Tshisekedi’s election campaign, a decision that led to the withdrawal of the MONUSCO mission from South Kivu in mid-2024. M23 quickly sought to exploit this vacuum. As political dynamics in the DRC continued to shift, President Tshisekedi made it clear that there would be no concessions to Rwanda. This period of uncertainty provided an opening for M23 forces to further their territorial expansion.
MONUSCO’s Role
MONUSCO, with a current deployment of approximately 3,000 troops in Goma, faces a formidable challenge. Outnumbered and outgunned by M23 forces – who are supported by a supplement of 4,000 Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) troops – MONUSCO troops are tasked with protecting civilians and preventing further escalation of the conflict. The mission’s peacekeeping mandate includes the use of artillery, information sharing and joint tactical planning, along with direct participation in combat when necessary.
The fighting in Goma has been devastating. In the first two days of the battle, three MONUSCO soldiers were killed and at least 11 were injured. To date, a total of 15 peacekeepers have died during the recent escalation. Thousands of Congolese soldiers abandoned their posts as M23 forces took control of Goma’s central areas and the international airport. The retreat led to a massive displacement of civilians. Around 178,000 people fled the surrounding areas, while 34,000 others sought refuge in already overcrowded internally displaced persons camps within the city. The overstretched MONUSCO unit struggled to accommodate the surge in displaced civilians and surrendering soldiers, highlighting the overwhelming nature of the crisis.
International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts
The UN Security Council was quick to condemn the external involvement of forces, although it initially refrained from directly naming Rwanda. However, on February 21 as the situation continued to deteriorate, the UNSC unanimously passed a resolution condemning the country for its support of the rebels and called for the “immediate withdraw” of forces from the territory. The resolution also criticized M23 for establishing parallel administrations in the DRC and strongly condemned continued attacks on UN peacekeepers and humanitarian aid workers. The UNSC stressed the importance of resuming diplomatic talks between Rwanda and the DRC to address the political dimensions of the crisis. The U.S. has also warned of possible sanctions if the situation does not improve.
On the diplomatic front, things remain tense. DRC’s government has called M23’s occupation of Goma a “declaration of war” and implored international action, including a total embargo on minerals labeled as Rwandan. This rhetoric reflects the increasingly hostile relations between the DRC and Rwanda, with the situation threatening to spill over into broader regional conflict.
The Threat of Regional Spillover
The DRC has a long history of attracting the involvement of neighboring countries, especially during the devastating Congo War of the late 1990s, known as “Africa’s World War.” Given the strategic significance of the DRC’s mineral wealth and its geopolitical location at the heart of Africa, the potential for this conflict to expand is precariously high.
Rwanda’s influence in the region, backed by its support for M23, also raises alarms in the West. The U.S. has expressed concern that the destabilization of the DRC could shift the country closer to China, which has significant investments in the DRC’s cobalt sector, a mineral essential for the global tech sector. As the U.S. competes with China for access to these resources, U.S. presence in the country is essential.
The Humanitarian Toll
As of late 2024, more than 7 million Congolese people have been displaced, with at least 80% living in areas protected by MONUSCO. The scale of displacement, particularly for women and children, underscores the need for continued peacekeeping efforts. If MONUSCO were to withdraw entirely, the situation would certainly deteriorate into a full-blown humanitarian catastrophe.
The U.S. has repeatedly called for a political solution to the crisis, urging the parties to engage in what’s called the Luanda Process. The Luanda Process was established as part of the 2022 Luanda Roadmap, aimed at defusing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC. It’s widely recognized by international entities, including the UN and European Union as a significant step toward stability in the region. Notably, MONUSCO plays a pivotal role in supporting this process and ensuring that humanitarian aid reaches those in need.
Looking Ahead
There is no question that the situation in the DRC is both bleak and uncertain. What isn’t uncertain is the critical role of MONUSCO’s presence in maintaining stability and protecting civilians. As M23 continues to expand its territorial control and the potential for regional conflict looms, the international community must intensify its efforts to support the DRC in its fight for sovereignty and peace.
The stakes are as high as they’ve ever been.
