Escalation of Conflict in Eastern Congo

The recent escalation in Eastern Congo has been marked by significant advances by the M23 rebel group, which, supported by Rwanda, seized the crucial city of Goma. This represents the most severe uptick in violence in the region since at least 2012, as the M23 transitioned from controlling smaller towns to taking a major urban center. The conflict has raised alarms about the potential for spillover effects across the region, with the M23's ongoing military actions despite a declared ceasefire on February 3rd drawing international concern. The situation remains dire, as fighting escalates toward Bukavu, further destabilizing an already volatile region.