Democratic Republic of the Congo–Rwanda conflict (2022–present) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids

Democratic Republic of the Congo–Rwanda conflict

Military situation as of 10 May 2025

Controlled by the March 23 Movement and allied militias Controlled by the Land Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and allied militias Presence of Ugandan armed forces Presence of Burundian armed forces Presence of Wazalendo militias (DRC-aligned) Resources:
Gold mines

Tantalum, tungsten or tin mines

Date	March 27, 2022 – June 27, 2025 (3 years and 3 months)
Location	Central Africa
Result	Peace agreement signed

Belligerents

Rwanda
Congo River Alliance
- March 23 Movement
- Twirwaneho
RED-Tabara
Uganda (alleged by the DRC, denied)

Commanders and leaders

Félix Tshisekedi
Peter Cirimwami †

Paul Kagame
Mubarak Muganga

Units involved

- FARDC
- MONUSCO
- SAMIDRC

Rwanda Defence Force

Strength

- 40,000+
- 2,000–3,000
- 11,000
- 1,200

- 7,000–12,000
- 6,000+

Casualties and losses

7,000+ killed and 600,000+ displaced between November 2024 and March 2025

A conflict started in 2022 between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. This happened after Rwandan forces entered the DRC. They supported the March 23 Movement (M23) rebel group. They also fought alongside M23 against the Congolese military (FARDC).

A peace agreement was signed between Rwanda and the DRC on June 27, 2025. This agreement aimed to end the fighting.

Since the Second Congo War, eastern DRC has seen many rebel groups. The main ones are the M23 in North Kivu and its partner, Twirwaneho, in South Kivu. The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) are also active. The current conflict began in March 2022 with a new M23 campaign. The DRC, United Nations, and United States say Rwanda supports M23. They also claim Rwanda actively fights for M23.

Rwanda and M23 have accused the DRC of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). This group took part in the Rwandan Genocide. Both Congo and Rwanda deny supporting these groups. However, reports suggest both sides' claims are true.

Burundi sent troops to help the DRC against M23. Burundi believes Rwanda caused a coup attempt in 2015. Many Burundian troops were in eastern Congo. Most withdrew by early February 2025. The MONUSCO peacekeeping mission says it is neutral. But Rwanda has accused it of taking sides. This is because MONUSCO works with the Congolese army. The Congolese government has asked MONUSCO to leave. They say MONUSCO failed to protect civilians.

Two peace talks were held between the DRC and Rwanda. One in Kenya in 2022 failed. Another in Angola in 2024 led to a ceasefire in August. But fighting between Congolese forces and M23 rebels started again in October 2024. It became more intense by the end of the year. Talks between Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi were canceled. This was due to disagreements. The Rwanda Defence Force had many troops in the DRC. A UN estimate said 4,000 in December 2024. This number grew to 12,000 by March 2025.

In January 2025, the rebels attacked Goma. Goma is the capital of North Kivu province. This attack forced over 400,000 people to leave their homes. The DRC then cut off its diplomatic ties with Rwanda. The Congolese government called Rwanda's support for the rebels a "declaration of war." The fall of Goma was a major event. It was the biggest escalation since M23 first took the city in 2012. M23 continued to advance into North Kivu and South Kivu in February. They captured Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. The African Union asked M23 to withdraw. They wanted to prevent the DRC from breaking apart. The United Nations Security Council also called on Rwanda to stop supporting M23. After talks in June 2025, Rwanda and the DRC agreed to a peace treaty. Rwanda agreed to withdraw its troops. The DRC agreed to stop supporting the FDLR.

Background of the Conflict
Timeline of Recent Events
See also

Background of the Conflict

When the Rwandan Civil War ended in 1994, a group called the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) won. This army was led by Tutsi people. They were supported by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni. After the war, Hutu extremists who caused the Rwandan Genocide fled. They went across the border into neighboring Zaire (now the DRC).

These Hutu fighters, along with 1.5 million Hutu civilians, entered the Kivu region. There, the Hutu fighters formed groups to fight against the new RPF government. Zaire was facing problems. Its government was weak and could not control the country. Some evidence suggests Zaire helped the Hutu groups.

The Banyamulenge people were also in the region. They are ethnic Tutsis from Rwanda. They were a minority in South Kivu province. They faced unfair treatment. In 1995 and 1996, fighting broke out. It involved Hutu refugees, the Banyamulenge, and the Zairian military. The Banyamulenge started fighting in 1996. Rwanda began to train and support them. This helped Rwanda gain influence in the region. It also helped Rwanda secure its economic interests. Rwanda's military also had clashes with Zairian troops.

These events led to the First Congo War. Many saw it as an extension of the Rwandan civil war. This was because of the close ties between the Banyamulenge and Rwandan government. General Paul Kagame said in 1997 that Rwanda planned the Banyamulenge rebellion. He also said Rwandan troops helped capture cities.

The Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo-Zaire (AFDL) was formed in October 1996. It was led by Laurent-Désiré Kabila. The AFDL recruited fighters in Zaire. It included both Tutsi and non-Tutsi members. Rwanda used the presence of Hutu extremists as an excuse. They wanted to achieve bigger political and economic goals. The AFDL and Banyamulenge attacked Hutu extremist groups. This led to many problems for civilians.

Between February and May 1997, the AFDL moved west. They wanted to overthrow Mobutu. The Zairean military did not fight much. Kabila's forces, with help from other African nations, reached Kinshasa in May 1997. Mobutu fled, and Kabila became president. He renamed the country the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). After Kabila took power, Rwandan troops left the DRC. They encouraged Congolese Tutsis to return to Rwanda. But many Congolese Tutsis were suspicious. They wanted to stay independent.

Tensions grew between the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) and Congolese Tutsi officers. These officers had fought with Rwanda. Rwanda saw them as part of its military. But many Congolese Tutsi fighters said they only joined to "liberate" the DRC. One example was the Murekezi mutiny in May 1997. Lieutenant Murekezi, a Tutsi, rebelled against Rwandan forces leaving. He argued that Congolese Tutsis should not be forced to move to Rwanda. His rebellion was stopped, and he was killed. Many of his followers were also killed or imprisoned.

Kabila soon distanced himself from his former allies. He continued to rule like Mobutu. He also became wary of Rwanda's influence. He suspected some Tutsi members of the AFDL were working for Rwanda. In July 1998, Kabila feared a coup d'état. He removed Rwandan General James Kabarebe from his position. He also ordered all Rwandan soldiers to leave the DRC.

This decision led Rwanda and Uganda to support a new rebellion. They wanted to remove Kabila. On August 2, 1998, a mutiny happened in the Congolese military. This led to the creation of the Rally for Congolese Democracy–Goma (RCD-Goma). This was a Tutsi-led rebel group backed by Rwanda. Goma fell to RCD-Goma and Rwandan forces that same day. The rebels quickly took control of large parts of Kivu and Katanga. The Rwandan army took advantage of this. They looted Congolese mineral resources. Crimes against civilians also increased. Goma remained under rebel control for almost three years.

Timeline of Recent Events

2022

March 2022: Fighting Begins

Soon after the new offensive began, the DRC claimed Rwanda supported the rebels. Rwanda and the rebels denied this. A researcher named Onesphore Sematumba said the claims about Rwandan aid were likely true. He thought M23's return might be linked to Rwanda's wish to stop a project. This project would connect the DRC and Uganda.

May 2022: Border Clashes and Diplomatic Tensions

Congolese forces said they captured two Rwandan soldiers in May. These soldiers were disguised. Both were released on June 11. On May 23, Congolese troops reportedly shelled Musanze District in Rwanda. Several people were injured. Two days later, the DRC stopped all RwandAir flights. Rwanda condemned this action. RwandAir then canceled flights to Kinshasa, Lubumbashi, and Goma.

African Union Chairman Macky Sall said on May 29 that the African Union supported a "peaceful resolution."

June 2022: Escalation and Ceasefire Calls

Mediation efforts continued in June. On June 2, Angolan President João Lourenço tried to help. He aimed to resolve tensions in Luanda. On June 8, Prime Minister of Belgium Alexander De Croo visited Kinshasa. He compared the situation in eastern DRC to that in Ukraine. He also showed support for Congo.

On June 9, the DRC said 500 Rwandan special forces were found near Tshanzu. They were disguised. The next day, the DRC accused Rwanda of firing rockets at a school in Biruma. Two children were killed. Rwanda also said Congo fired rockets into Western Rwanda.

The UN called for a ceasefire. But on June 12, the DRC claimed Rwanda planned to occupy Bunagana. M23 forces then captured Bunagana the next day. About 30,000 people fled to Uganda. The DRC said Rwandan forces helped occupy the city. The rebels said taking Bunagana was not their main goal. They took it after repeated attacks by the Congolese army. They also said they were open to talks with the government. The DRC called the fall of Bunagana an "invasion" by Rwanda. Some sources claimed Uganda also helped M23. Rwanda accused MONUSCO of taking sides. They said this allowed Congo to attack Rwanda.

Heavy fighting caused 137 Congolese soldiers and 37 police officers to flee to Uganda. They surrendered to Ugandan forces. A Kinyarwanda-speaking officer was attacked in Kisangani.

On June 15, thousands protested Rwandan actions in Goma. The protest became a riot. People attacked shops owned by Rwandans. They checked vehicles for Rwandans. Congolese police used tear gas. Several Rwandans in Goma fled the country. The DRC suspended all agreements with Rwanda. They demanded all Rwandan military personnel leave.

Hours later, a Congolese soldier crossed into Rubavu District. He carried an AK-47. A Rwanda National Police officer shot him dead on June 17. Rwanda said the soldier shot at civilians and security forces. The Congo closed the border. They said they would investigate. A crowd followed the officer's body in Goma. They shouted "hero" and called President of Rwanda Paul Kagame an "assassin." Some also shouted hateful slogans against Tutsis.

July 2022: De-escalation Efforts

Rwanda and the DRC agreed on July 6 to start a "de-escalation process." This happened in Angola. M23 leader Willy Ngoma ordered a new offensive the next day. He said, "Only the M23 can sign the cease-fire with the government."

August 2022: UN Report Leaked

In early August, a UN report was leaked. It showed evidence that Rwandan troops entered Congo. They supported M23 and fought alongside them. These findings led to calls for the UN to punish Rwanda.

October 2022: More Evidence of Rwandan Presence

On October 24, a Rwandan soldier surrendered to MONUSCO. He said he was sent to Rwanda for a military operation. He begged not to be sent back. He was given to Congolese forces on November 4.

The Kivu Security Barometre found satellite photos. They showed a battle in October 2022 in Rugari. Soldiers with Rwandan Defence Force insignias were seen.

November 2022: Ceasefire Agreement and Rejection

On November 19, a Congolese soldier was killed near Rubavu. Rwanda said he was shot after firing at guard towers. The DRC confirmed the death. They said he was a new recruit who got lost. Both countries said they were investigating.

At the 2022 Francophonie summit, the DRC representative refused a group photo. This was a protest against Rwanda's actions.

The East African Community (EAC) demanded a ceasefire on November 24. They also ordered M23 to leave occupied areas. The EAC said it would intervene if orders were not followed. Rwanda and the DRC agreed to a ceasefire in Luanda. It started on November 25.

M23 rejected the ceasefire. They were not invited to the talks. A spokesman said, "There was nobody [from the M23] in the summit, so it doesn't really concern us."

December 2022: Kishishe Massacre

On December 5, the DRC announced a massacre in Kishishe. They said 272 civilians were killed. The Congolese government blamed M23. M23 denied it. An investigation was opened.

2023

January 2023: Airspace Violation and War Preparations

On January 19, 2023, Rwanda claimed the DRC was "preparing for war." Rwanda also said the DRC imported European fighters. Five days later, on January 24, a Congolese Su-25 plane was damaged. Rwandan forces fired at it after it entered their airspace. The DRC called this a "deliberate action." The plane had minor damage.

July 2023: Border Incursion

The DRC claimed on July 27 that it stopped a Rwandan army attack north of Goma. A Rwandan soldier was reportedly killed.

October 2023: War Risk Concerns

On October 18, the UN worried about a direct war between the two countries.

November 2023: De-escalation Efforts and Rebel Advances

On November 6, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called on Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame to calm the conflict. On November 21, the two leaders agreed on steps to reduce tensions. The next day, M23 rebels claimed they captured Mweso.

December 2023: Strong Words from Leaders

In a speech on December 9, Tshisekedi compared Kagame to Adolf Hitler. He said Kagame would "end up like Adolf Hitler." A Rwandan spokesperson condemned this. On December 20, Tshisekedi threatened to invade Rwanda. He said he was "fed up with invasions."

2024

January 2024: New Year, New Clashes

On January 16, a Congolese soldier was killed by Rwandan forces. This happened in Rwanda's Rubavu District. The soldier reportedly fired at Rwandan soldiers first. Two other Congolese soldiers were arrested.

Félix Tshisekedi began his second term as president. He promised to deal with the unrest in the east.

February 2024: US Condemnation and Rwandan Response

On February 17, the United States Department of State condemned Rwanda's support for M23. They called for Rwanda to remove all RDF personnel and missile systems from the DRC. The Rwandan Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected this. They said their actions were defensive against the FDLR. Rwanda also questioned the US's role as a mediator. They stated Rwanda would defend itself as long as the threat existed.

The DRC accused Rwanda of a drone attack. It damaged a civilian aircraft at Goma International Airport. Protests were held in Goma.

March 2024: M23 Takes More Territory

M23 rebels took control of the town of Nyanzale.

May 2024: Attacks on Refugee Camps

On May 4, bombs hit refugee camps near Goma. Twelve people were killed and at least 20 injured. The Congolese government and the US blamed the Rwandan military and M23. Rwanda denied responsibility. They blamed the FDLR and Wazalendo groups.

August 2024: DRC to Sue Rwanda

On August 30, 2024, the DRC decided to sue Rwanda. They planned to do this before the East African Court of Justice.

December 2024: Canceled Summit

A summit between Tshisekedi and Kagame was planned for December 15, 2024. It was meant to discuss disarming the FDLR. But Kagame withdrew. This made people suspect Rwanda's presence was about economic gain. The Congolese government said if Rwanda was serious about peace, the conflict would end.

2025

M23 offensive map in Kivu

January 2025: Goma Offensive and Diplomatic Break

A rebel advance towards Goma in January 2025 displaced over 178,000 people. The town of Minova was captured by M23 on January 21. This town is important for supplies to Goma. The Congolese government accused a Rwandan sniper of killing North Kivu's military governor.

As rebels neared Goma, the DRC ended ties with Rwanda on January 25. They recalled their embassy staff. A Congolese military spokesman claimed Rwanda wanted to take Goma. The UN estimated 4,000 Rwandan soldiers were helping M23. Rwanda denied involvement.

On January 26, fighting started in Goma's outskirts. UN sources estimated 500–1,000 Rwandan troops were helping M23. The UN Security Council held an emergency meeting. Congolese foreign minister Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner called Rwanda's actions a "declaration of war." She asked for sanctions on Rwanda.

Shelling by Congolese troops killed five civilians in Gisenyi, Rwanda, on January 27.

February 2025: Goma Falls, Human Rights Concerns

On February 5, 2025, M23 captured Goma. Signs of heavy fighting were seen.

On February 7, 2025, the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) condemned Rwanda's support for M23. They started an investigation into rights violations. The council urged M23 and Rwandan forces to stop abuses. They also asked them to allow aid. Volker Türk said about 3,000 people were killed since January 26, 2025.

On February 18, 2025, Volker Türk accused Rwanda-backed M23 rebels of attacking aid facilities. He also said they forced young people to join their groups after taking Bukavu and Goma. Ugandan troops entered Bunia to stop ethnic violence.

On February 21, 2025, Rwanda's government supported General James Kabarebe. He was sanctioned by the U.S. for his role in the conflict. Rwanda rejected the sanctions. They said border security was a priority. The U.S. and UN linked Rwanda to M23's actions. They urged talks between Congo and the rebels. But Congo's President Tshisekedi refused talks. He saw M23 as Rwanda's proxy.

On February 25, 2025, the UK announced it would stop aid to Rwanda. They also planned sanctions due to Rwanda's involvement in the Congo conflict.

March 2025: Rebel Advances and Peace Talks

On March 1, 2025, the Congo River Alliance and M23 handed over alleged FDLR fighters to Rwanda. Rwanda claimed these FDLR members worked with the Congolese military. A Congolese spokesman called this a "setup." He said it was to discredit the Congolese army. He also accused Rwanda of war crimes.

On March 9, 2025, M23 fully captured Goma and Bukavu. They pushed deeper into the DRC. The DRC offered rewards for M23 leaders' arrest.

On March 18, 2025, Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame met in Doha, Qatar. They discussed the conflict. They called for an "immediate and unconditional ceasefire." But M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, took Walikale on March 20, 2025. M23 leaders rejected the ceasefire.

June 2025: Peace Agreement Signed

Signing ceremony for the peace agreement, Washington, D.C., 27 June 2025.

A first peace deal was reached on June 19, 2025. This happened after three days of talks in Washington, D.C.. The Trump administration helped with the talks. M23 was not involved. The terms included Rwanda withdrawing troops from the DRC. Some Congolese minerals would be exported through Rwanda. The U.S. said it would invest in the DRC's mining industry. The final deal was set for June 27. On June 26, it was reported the DRC dropped its demand for an immediate Rwandan troop withdrawal. An M23 spokesman said the deal did not concern his group.

A peace agreement was signed on June 27. The foreign ministers of Rwanda and the DRC signed it. U.S. secretary of state Marco Rubio was present. A ceremony was also held at the White House with President Trump. The agreement promises a joint security plan within a month. It also says Rwandan troops will leave the DRC within 90 days. The DRC promised to stop supporting the FDLR. Rwanda and the DRC also agreed to create a regional economic plan. This plan aims to boost trade and investment from mineral resources.