ANALYSIS OF FACTORS FUELING CONFLICT BETWEEN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO (DRC) AND RWANDA, FROM 2021 TO 2024.

Abstract

In 2022, heavy tensions broke out between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda, which have led to several alleged attacks by Congolese and Rwandan forces on each other's territory. The main objective of this research would be to better understand the causes and repercussions of tensions between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo related to the M23. The specific objectives of the study were to analyze historical context and root causes of the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda, to examine historical, political, and socio-economic factors contributed to the tensions between DRC and Rwanda and to propose recommendations and strategies aimed at addressing the underlying causes of the conflict and promoting peace, stability, and cooperation between the two countries. The result found that 90.9% of respondents agreed that weak state institution in the DRC is the root cause of the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda. Besides, 100.0% of the majority of respondents emphasized that ethnic and refugee issues are another root cause of the conflict between the DRC and Rwanda, while 60.6% stated humanitarian crisis and weak international response. Furthermore, 55.5% mentioned cross-border security concerns. The research indicated that 100.0 % of the majority of the respondents mentioned refugee and displacement crisis same as the Rwandan Genocide and its aftermath, Besides, 60.6% agreed that poverty and underdevelopment is another factor that contributed to the tension between DRC and Rwanda. However, 55.5% of respondents indicated that natural resource exploitation is another factor that contributed to the tensions between DRC and Rwanda. The conflict between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda is rooted in historical, political, and ethnic issues. To address this, a comprehensive approach is needed, including diplomatic engagement, disarmament and demobilization, economic cooperation, internal reforms, ethnic reconciliation, and peacebuilding.