Michaela Rong, an expert on Rwanda and Congo, and Stuart Reid, author of "The Lumumba Plot," dive deep into the ongoing turmoil in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They discuss the devastating impact of the M23 rebel group’s takeover of Goma and unravel the tangled web of international interests, especially U.S. complicity. Rong and Reid shed light on the CIA’s hidden role in Congo's history, the assassinated leader Patrice Lumumba's tumultuous path to independence, and the lasting scars of colonial machinations.
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, exacerbated by M23's violent takeover of Goma, has led to severe humanitarian crises for civilians.
Rwanda's complex historical involvement in Congo, driven by territorial ambitions, complicates international perceptions of accountability regarding its actions.
Deep dives
The M23 Conflict in Eastern Congo
The M23 rebel group, consisting mainly of Congolese Tutsis, has significantly escalated violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by capturing the city of Goma. This conflict has led to severe humanitarian crises, with morgues overflowing and civilians facing brutal threats, including sexual violence and forced displacement. The cyclical nature of this conflict sees families repeatedly fleeing for safety, unable to escape the mounting violence. M23's actions are heavily supported by Rwanda, raising questions about international complicity and the motives behind such interventions.
Rwanda's Historical Involvement and Motives
Rwanda's intervention in the DRC is rooted in a complex historical context, stemming from the Rwandan genocide that occurred over three decades ago when Hutus fled into Congo. The M23 rebels have positioned themselves as defenders of Congo, but their operations are driven by Rwandan interests in seizing fertile and mineral-rich lands in Eastern Congo. This land grab, attributed to the ambitions of Rwandan President Paul Kagame, complicates the narrative surrounding the rebel group's motivations. Rwanda manages to maintain favorable relationships with Western nations despite its aggressive tactics, creating a paradox in international diplomatic relations.
Western Nations' Complicity and Perception
The perceived stability and authoritarian efficiency of Kagame's regime have led the West to overlook Rwanda's aggressive actions in Congo. Historically, Kagame has presented himself as a key ally in a region marked by instability, garnering support and military aid from countries such as the United States. However, as the violence in Goma escalates and international scrutiny increases, Western nations may need to reconsider their diplomatic stances towards Rwanda. The growing emphasis on human rights and accountability could pressure these countries to reevaluate their relationships with regimes that defy these principles.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is at war. Again. Sixty-five years of mismanagement began with a CIA assassination plot that condemned millions of Congolese to unending conflict.
This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Miles Bryan, engineered by Patrick Boyd and Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Noel King.
Rebel soldiers with a group called M23 who have taken control of the Congolese city of Goma in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Photo by MICHEL LUNANGA/AFP via Getty Images.