Understanding the Dynamics of Armed Groups in Congo

“What is the problem if South African investors invest in Congo? Why should it be Rwanda complaining, not the Congolese?” – Retired SANDF Lieutenant General Maomela Motau On Sunday the 26th of January 2025, the M23 rebel group took over the city of Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. It followed intense fighting with the country’s main army. Since then, more than 700 people have been killed, with thousands more forced to seek refuge elsewhere. This comes as South Africa and Rwanda have been engaged in a war of words over their interests in the DRC conflict. South Africa says it’s part of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission. Rwanda, however, rejects this and accuses President Cyril Ramaphosa’s nation of getting involved purely to benefit from the mineral-rich country. But Rwanda’s own involvement in the DRC has raised eyebrows. Presenter: Alan Kasujja Guests: Retired SANDF Lieutenant General Maomela Motau and Ugandan journalist and international relations expert Raymond Mujuni