The M23 rebel group operates in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). It is active in the North Kivu province. M23 was formed in 2012 from a faction of the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP). The CNDP had signed a peace agreement with the DRC government on March 23, 2009, which is where the name M23 comes from. The rebels said the government failed to uphold the agreement's terms, leading to their mutiny.
M23 is mainly made up of ethnic Tutsis. The group operates in the mineral-rich eastern regions of the DRC. It is particularly active near the borders with Rwanda and Uganda. M23 has been accused of human rights abuses. These include killings and sexual violence. The group has contributed to instability and humanitarian crises in the area.
In 2012, M23 briefly captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu. Congolese and United Nations forces drove them out. After a 2013 peace agreement, the group was less active. M23 resurged in late 2021. It launched new offensives and captured territories in North Kivu. This resurgence led to renewed conflicts, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and made regional tensions worse.
The DRC government and the UN have said Rwanda supports M23. Rwanda has denied these allegations. The conflict has strained diplomatic relations in the region. The DRC severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda because of the ongoing violence.
As of January 2025, M23 rebels have advanced close to Goma. They have captured key towns. They have caused widespread displacement of civilians. The situation is still volatile. International efforts are ongoing to address the humanitarian crisis. They are also trying to restore stability in the region.
M23 is mainly made up of ethnic Tutsis. The group operates in the mineral-rich eastern regions of the DRC. It is particularly active near the borders with Rwanda and Uganda. M23 has been accused of human rights abuses. These include killings and sexual violence. The group has contributed to instability and humanitarian crises in the area.
In 2012, M23 briefly captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu. Congolese and United Nations forces drove them out. After a 2013 peace agreement, the group was less active. M23 resurged in late 2021. It launched new offensives and captured territories in North Kivu. This resurgence led to renewed conflicts, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and made regional tensions worse.
The DRC government and the UN have said Rwanda supports M23. Rwanda has denied these allegations. The conflict has strained diplomatic relations in the region. The DRC severed diplomatic ties with Rwanda because of the ongoing violence.
As of January 2025, M23 rebels have advanced close to Goma. They have captured key towns. They have caused widespread displacement of civilians. The situation is still volatile. International efforts are ongoing to address the humanitarian crisis. They are also trying to restore stability in the region.
