Mapping the human toll of the conflict in DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing one of the world’s largest displacement and humanitarian crises.
Ongoing violence and instability have forced millions to flee their homes, with at least 7,000 people killed in recent months and many more injured.The violence this year has largely been driven by armed groups, particularly M23 rebels, who have intensified their offensive in eastern DRC.
In January, M23 seized control of Goma, the capital of mineral-rich North Kivu province, before capturing Bukavu, the capital of neighbouring South Kivu, in February. They have since continued to advance west.
Who are the M23?
The M23 rebel group was formed in 2012 by former Congolese soldiers, mainly from the Tutsi ethnic group.
The group takes its name from the March 23 Movement, referring to the date peace accords were signed in 2009 between the DRC’s government and the National Congress for the Defence of the People (CNDP) that aimed to integrate its fighters into the Congolese army.M23 briefly seized control of Goma in November 2012 but was defeated and forced into exile in 2013. After nearly a decade of dormancy, the group resurfaced in late 2021 and has since intensified its military campaign in eastern DRC.
According to United Nations experts, Rwanda backs M23 with troops and ammunition. Kigali, however, denies the accusations.
M23 rebels’ rapid advance
The latest round of conflict escalated in December 2024 after peace talks in Angola between the presidents of DRC and Rwanda were cancelled over disagreements about M23. Rwanda had insisted on direct dialogue between DRC and M23, which the Congolese government at the time refused.
January 27, 2025 – M23 captures Goma: In the worst escalation in a decade or more, M23 fighters took control of eastern DRC’s largest city, Goma – a crucial humanitarian hub near the Rwandan border, home to more than 2 million people.
February 16, 2025 – M23 captures Bukavu: The rebels advanced into Bukavu’s city centre with little resistance, as DRC accused Rwanda of ignoring ceasefire calls.
March 19, 2025 – M23 captures Walikale: The rebels seized the mining hub Walikale in North Kivu, the farthest west they have ever reached, dismissing ceasefire calls from DRC and Rwanda. They later said they would withdraw from the town in a peace gesture.
