M23 Movement

 

M23 Movement

The March 23 Movement (M23) is a rebel group that emerged in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in 2012. It was formed by former members of the CNDP (National Congress for the Defense of the People) who mutinied from the Congolese army, citing the government's failure to implement a 2009 peace deal.

Named after the March 23 agreement, M23 initially took control of parts of North Kivu, including the provincial capital, Goma, in late 2012. The group was accused of committing serious human rights violations, including killings, rape, and forced recruitment of children.

M23 was defeated militarily in 2013 by Congolese forces with UN support, and its fighters fled to Uganda and Rwanda. However, the group re-emerged in late 2021, reigniting conflict in eastern DRC.

The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of backing M23—a claim Rwanda denies. The renewed violence has displaced hundreds of thousands and worsened an already fragile humanitarian situation.

Efforts at regional diplomacy continue, but tensions remain high, and peace remains elusive in the conflict-ridden region.