THE Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again engulfed in turmoil as the M23 rebel group advances from North Kivu province, capturing Goma—a vital economic hub and gateway to the nation’s vast mineral resources. This resurgence has precipitated a multifaceted crisis encompassing security, governance, and economic stability.
Humanitarian and regional implications
The renewed hostilities have triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, leading to widespread displacement and civilian casualties. The United Nations reports that over 100 civilians have been killed, with more than 1,000 wounded in the recent clashes. The capture of Goma by M23 rebels has intensified concerns about regional stability, as the conflict threatens to spill over into neighbouring countries. The situation is further complicated by allegations of external support for the rebels, particularly from Rwanda. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, a claim that Rwanda denies. This has led to strained diplomatic relations and calls for international intervention to address the escalating crisis.
East African Community’s response and diplomatic strains
In response to the escalating conflict, the East African Community (EAC) convened its 24th Extraordinary Summit on January 29, 2025, aiming to formulate a coordinated regional strategy. Notably, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi was absent from this crucial meeting, opting instead to engage in mediation discussions in Angola. His absence has raised serious diplomatic concerns, signalling a potential rift between the DRC and the EAC. This move suggests a possible realignment of the DRC’s alliances, with Kinshasa seeking closer ties with the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The EAC has positioned itself as a key mediator in the conflict, but Tshisekedi’s decision to abstain from the summit indicates a lack of confidence in the bloc’s ability to effectively address the crisis. This development underscores the growing fragmentation of regional efforts to resolve the situation in eastern DRC.
International involvement and mercenary deployment
The conflict has attracted international attention, with various external actors becoming increasingly involved. Kenyan President William Ruto’s recent communication with French President Emmanuel Macron has sparked concerns over external influence in Africa’s security affairs. This interaction reinforces perceptions that regional conflicts are increasingly subject to geopolitical manoeuvring by foreign powers. Additionally, reports have emerged alleging the involvement of Romanian mercenaries fighting on behalf of the DRC government. While these reports remain unconfirmed, the presence of foreign fighters in the conflict zone suggests an internationalisation of the crisis. The deployment of mercenaries could indicate Tshisekedi’s lack of faith in regional security arrangements and the effectiveness of the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) in combating M23 rebels. This move mirrors patterns seen in other African conflicts, where governments facing insurgencies turn to private military contractors to tip the balance of power on the battlefield. However, the involvement of mercenaries carries significant risks, including further destabilisation of governance structures, undermining regional security cooperation, and escalating human rights violations.
Impact on global mining operations
The DRC is a major supplier of critical minerals, including cobalt and copper, which are essential components in various industries worldwide. The ongoing conflict has disrupted mining operations, particularly in the cobalt and copper sectors. Companies operating in the DRC, such as Glencore, China Molybdenum, and Ivanhoe Mines, are facing heightened security risks and supply chain disruptions. The displacement of mining communities and the growing influence of non-state armed actors over artisanal mining sites have raised concerns about illegal mineral trade routes, particularly through Rwanda and Uganda. The lack of transparent and verifiable sourcing mechanisms in the global cobalt supply chain has created vulnerabilities for Western automakers and tech giants, which risk being linked to conflict minerals and human rights violations. As the conflict persists, major markets should expect price volatility in cobalt and copper, with speculative trading likely to drive supply chain costs higher for companies in North America, Europe, and Asia. Meanwhile, China, with extensive mining concessions and long-term cobalt supply contracts in the DRC, may seek to leverage the instability to consolidate its dominance over the global battery metals industry.
Human rights and governance challenges
Despite international commitments to ethically sourced mineral supply chains and corporate social responsibility, the cobalt and copper industries in the DRC remain plagued by systemic human rights violations. Reports from Amnesty International and other watchdog organisations continue to highlight issues such as the widespread use of child labour in artisanal cobalt mines, the exploitation of miners under unsafe working conditions, and sexual violence linked to mining operations controlled by armed groups. Efforts by the US and EU to strengthen import controls on conflict minerals have been ineffective due to weak and inconsistently applied enforcement mechanisms. The lack of transparency in regional mineral trade has allowed state actors in Rwanda, Uganda, and beyond to continue profiting from Congolese resources, with minimal repercussions from the international community. Weak legal frameworks and enforcement in both the DRC and international markets perpetuate the status quo, leaving mining communities vulnerable to exploitation, forced displacement, and violence.
Recommendations for stakeholders
The crisis in Eastern DRC poses a serious threat to regional stability, mining operations, and global supply chains. If the situation worsens, it could lead to full-scale war, severe supply disruptions, and further humanitarian displacement. The persistent failure of governments, corporations, and global institutions to act decisively has created a cycle of impunity, violence, and economic exploitation that fuels ongoing instability. All stakeholders must make a genuine commitment to prevent a global crisis with far-reaching implications. The true victims remain the Congolese people, who suffer from displacement, violence, and economic collapse while regional and global actors manipulate the crisis for their own gain. This situation underscores the urgent need for a genuinely African-led diplomatic initiative—free from external influence—to address the root causes of instability. There is also a need for greater transparency in foreign interventions, ensuring that foreign military involvement is accountable to regional and
Agnes Gitau is the Executive Director of the Eastern Africa Association and a Partner at GBS Africa. She works across policy, politics, trade, and investment, advising governments and businesses on Africa’s geopolitical and economic landscape
