Intensifying conflict in eastern Congo

Conflicts between rebel armed groups and government forces are intensifying in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to reports from multiple international agencies, armed conflict continues in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces despite the M23 rebels' withdrawal from Uvira in January.

“The use of attack drones has been increasing in recent hostilities between government forces and the AFC/M23, and GPS signal jamming and spoofing are continuing,” said Vivian van der Pere, Deputy Special Representative for Protection and Operations at the United Nations Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

The violence is also spreading toward the Burundi border, raising concerns that it will spread into a regional conflict. In the Ituri region, a "serious situation" continues as rebel attacks continue to cause casualties, large-scale displacement and destruction of infrastructure. Another rebel group, the ADF, also moved out of its original area of ​​operation and resumed attacks in Mambasa territory.

Diplomatic peace efforts continue

Despite these difficulties, the international community's diplomatic efforts continue. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda held talks in Washington, D.C. on March 17-18, and agreed on concrete measures to implement the Washington Agreement and reduce tensions.

Progress has also been made in establishing a ceasefire system through the Qatar Doha Process and African Union (AU)-led initiatives. Deputy Representative Van de Pere used his influence at the UN Security Council to urge the rapid reopening of Goma and Kavumu airports and the resumption of flights.

Deepening humanitarian crisis

Currently, 6.4 million people are internally displaced across the Democratic Republic of Congo. “The humanitarian situation has changed dramatically,” a UN official said, adding that 26.6 million people, or a quarter of the population, are expected to face food insecurity this year.

UN peacekeepers are providing protection to about 3,000 civilians who fled violence in the town of Djaiba and took refuge in the Fataki base. Additionally, through 204 patrol activities, we helped 18,000 farmers harvest and transport their crops.

But Van der Pere said current humanitarian efforts, while essential, are insufficient and are being further complicated by significant funding challenges. In particular, aid operations are also under threat, with 10 attacks targeting humanitarian workers reported since December 2025.

Role and limitations of the United Nations

MONUSCO has been stationed in the Democratic Republic of Congo since July 2010, taking over from previous UN peacekeeping operations. This conflict originated from the genocide targeting Tutsis that occurred in neighboring Rwanda in 1994. The mission's role includes protecting civilians and supporting peace stabilization.

Deputy Representative Van de Pere said peacekeepers would continue their full range of activities, including ceasefire support and protection of civilians in North Kivu, in Ituri, while focusing on ceasefire-related functions in South Kivu. However, he emphasized that stronger governance and security sector reform are essential for the state to fulfill its primary responsibility of protecting civilians.

Historical context of this conflict

The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has a complex historical background that has continued for nearly 30 years since the 1994 Rwandan genocide. After the massacre, regional instability began as a large number of Hutu militias and refugees flowed into neighboring Congo (then Zaire).

Afterwards, through two Congo wars (1996-1997 and 1998-2003), neighboring countries intervened, and the influence of Rwanda and Uganda in particular penetrated deeply. The M23 rebels first appeared in 2012 and occupied the city of Gomas before being defeated in 2013, but reemerged in late 2021 and took control of large swathes of territory.

Rwanda has been suspected of supporting M23, which is a key factor in diplomatic tensions between the two countries. The region's rich mineral resources—including coltan, gold, and tin—have served as a source of funding for armed groups and prolonged the conflict.

Future outlook [AI analysis]

Despite diplomatic progress through the Washington Agreement and the Doha Process, a fundamental resolution to the conflict in eastern Congo is likely to take considerable time. This is because the complex historical roots of the conflict, the presence of multiple armed groups, and interests surrounding mineral resources are intertwined.

In the short term, there is a risk that increased use of new technology weapons, such as drones, will increase civilian casualties. The spread of violence along Burundi's borders increases the likelihood of intervention by other countries in the region, which could lead to the internationalization of the conflict.

Regarding the impact on Korea, it is noteworthy that the Democratic Republic of Congo accounts for approximately 70% of the world's production of cobalt, a key material for electric vehicle batteries. Prolonged disputes may lead to instability in the global supply chain and have an impact on the domestic battery and electric vehicle industries. Additionally, more than 6.4 million displaced people and 26.6 million food insecure people are expected to increase calls for humanitarian response from the international community.