Newshour | Decades of turmoil in Congo's eastern provinces

NGOs have accused Rwanda-linked rebels of carrying out massacres of civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The allegations add another layer to a conflict that has destabilised the Great Lakes region for nearly three decades, uprooting millions and leaving communities traumatised.

The violence in DR Congo’s east traces back to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, when refugee flows and armed factions spilled over the border. In the years that followed, the country endured two devastating wars involving multiple African nations, often referred to as Africa’s “world war.” While a peace agreement was signed in 2003, armed groups never truly disbanded, instead re-emerging in cycles of violence.

Today, the resurgence of the M23 rebellion has brought fresh instability. The group cites broken peace promises, while Kinshasa accuses Rwanda of supplying direct support—a charge Kigali denies. Despite regional mediation and United Nations involvement, civilians remain the primary victims, facing displacement, recruitment by militias, and recurring attacks.

In this edition of NewsHour, we hear from our correspondent Chris Ocamringa in Kinshasa and later from Nigerian political analyst Adamu Garba, as we explore the history, the allegations, and the pressing question of how peace can finally be achieved.

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Congo United Nations Rwanda NGO M23Rebels EasternCongo GreatLakesRegion RwandaRelations Refugees newshour