Democratic republic of congo

key issues

Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo began in 1994 when Rwanda’s Hutus crossed over the border and established camps in what was then known as Zaire. Rwanda, believing that the Hutu militia responsible for the Rwandan genocide was being hosted by the Congolese President Mobotu Sese Seko, subsequently attacked and brought down his rule. Although the official end to the Congolese war was in 2003, fighting amongst groups continued, in particular in the provinces of North and South Kivu. Citing the continued presence of the Hutu militia, known as Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), the Rwandan army under Paul Kagame continued to train and arm militia rebel groups in the DRC, including one group led by Bosco Ntaganda— the National Congress for the Defense of the People— which took over parts of North Kivu in 2012 after the breakdown of a March 23, 2009 peace agreement. From that point forward Ntaganda’s group was known as “M23.” Some analysts have stated that the perceived threat to Rwanda was much diminished and was a greater threat to the local population. Nevertheless, Rwanda-trained and -equipped militia groups such as M23 continued to take over territory. (https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/03/russ-feingold-congo-104535?o=0)

As international concern continued to intensify, in 2013, a framework agreement was signed by 11 countries that pledged noninterference in Congo’s affairs, including Rwanda. The agreement also authorized UN peacekeepers to engage in “offensive operations against militias,” for the first time in UN history. The enhanced force was known as the Intervention Brigade. Nevertheless, fighting continued until the end of October 2013, when as a result of continued international and US pressure, the Rwanda government finally decided to cease providing support to M23. In November 2013, a peace deal was worked out between the rebel group and the Congolese government. M23 agreed to transform into a political party, while the government agreed to release rebel prisoners and institute reforms. The agreement was signed as two separate declarations by the two parties to avoid the appearance of an agreement between the government and a nonstate entity. (https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/03/russ-feingold-congo-104535?o=0)

Relevant History

Related Blog Entries

References

Reid, Stuart A. “Did Russ Feingold just end a war?” Politico, March 11, 2014. (https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2014/03/russ-feingold-congo-104535?o=0)