Despite high-profile diplomatic efforts, and claims by the U.S. government of brokering a peace deal, the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has intensified in 2025, with the M23 rebel group — still allegedly backed by Rwanda — expanding its control over key mining territories. While regional and international actors continue to push for peace, evidence suggests that mineral exploitation remains the driving force behind the violence, with millions of Congolese civilians caught in the crossfire.
In 2025, despite multiple ceasefires, M23 has seized new territories in North Kivu, including strategic towns near Rubaya, a major coltan and cobalt mining hub. The group now controls over 60% of North Kivu’s mining zones, according to a June 2025 UN report.
Satellite imagery and drone footage (verified by CNN and BBC Africa, April 2025) show Rwandan Defense Forces (RDF) constructing forward bases inside DRC, supporting M23 operations. The DRC government has submitted this evidence to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but Rwanda continues to deny involvement.
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission, deployed in early 2024, has suffered heavy casualties in clashes with M23. In May 2025, South Africa withdrew part of its contingent after a deadly ambush, raising doubts about the mission’s effectiveness.
The mineral war: Who’s profiting in 2025?
With the global push for electric vehicles and AI infrastructure, demand for Congolese cobalt and coltan has surged. Yet, over 40% of these minerals are smuggled into Rwanda, according to a March 2025 report by The Sentry.
Despite having minimal mineral deposits, Rwanda’s mineral exports hit a record $2.5 billion in 2024 (Rwandan Ministry of Finance). The UN estimates 70% of these exports originate in the DRC.
Western tech and auto companies continue sourcing “conflict-free” minerals through Rwandan channels, despite evidence of smuggling. Tesla and Apple faced shareholder pressure in 2025 after NGOs revealed their supply chains still link to Congolese conflict zones.
Diplomatic shifts and new Alliances (2025)
After the collapse of Western-mediated peace talks in early 2025, the DRC has deepened ties with Russian-linked private military companies (PMCs) to counter M23. Reports (Africa Intelligence, July 2025) suggest these groups are now guarding mines in exchange for mineral concessions.
Humanitarian catastrophe
Meanwhile, the humanitarian catastrophe deepens. According to UN OCHA, June 2025, 6.9 million people have been displaced, the worst crisis since the 1990s wars. There is a risk of famine in Masisi & Rutshuru due to M23 blockades. Over 12 attacks on humanitarian convoys in 2025 have been blamed on M23 and Rwandan-backed militias.
Women and children in eastern Congo are enduring one of the world’s most acute crises, facing violence, displacement, sexual abuse, malnutrition, and disrupted futures at a massive scale.
The systematic use of sexual violence as a tactic of war, coupled with displacement and the collapse of basic services, creates a dire need for urgent international intervention focused on their protection, support, and recovery.
The Rwanda-DRC conflict is no longer just a regional crisis. It’s a global economic war disguised as a civil conflict. Until real pressure is applied on Rwanda’s mineral smuggling and international complicity, the “peace deals” will remain a facade for resource plunder.
Key 2025 Sources:
- UN Group of Experts Report (June 2025) – Confirms Rwandan troops in DRC.
- The Sentry, “Cobalt Cartels” (2025) – Exports Rwandan smuggling networks.
- Africa Intelligence (July 2025) – Russian PMCs in DRC mines.
- ICJ Hearings (DRC v. Rwanda, Ongoing) – Legal battle over aggression.
This piece was written for the July 2025 edition of Postscripts, Shamillah Wilson’s monthly round-up of what’s been happening in feminist circles, her work, and some recommended reading suggestions.
