The Kivu conflict is a complex geopolitical struggle involving over 120 armed groups.
Spanning the North and South Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Kivu conflict has evolved from a domestic issue into a multifaceted geopolitical crisis. With over 120 armed groups and international military interventions, it remains one of the most volatile and protracted security challenges in Africa.
The Kivu conflict emerged following the Second Congo War, officially beginning in 2004 as a confrontation between the Congolese military (FARDC) and the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR). The conflict has unfolded in three distinct phases, with the third phase ongoing as of 2026. It is characterized by a dense web of actors, including local Mai Mai militias, the March 23 Movement (M23), and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
International involvement is a defining feature of the region. The United Nations mission, MONUSCO, maintains a force of 21,000 soldiers, making it the largest peacekeeping operation currently active. Despite this, the region remains a theater for regional rivalries. A July 2024 UN Security Council report highlighted extensive Rwandan military activity, noting that Rwandan troop numbers matched or exceeded the 3,000 fighters of the M23 rebel group by April 2024. These interventions often involve complex human rights abuses, including the forced recruitment of child soldiers.
The conflict is deeply intertwined with ethnic tensions and competition for natural resources. The Banyamulenge, an ethnic Tutsi group in eastern Congo, have historically faced cycles of violence and political marginalization, leading to the formation of various politico-military movements like the Forces républicaines fédéralistes (FRF). While some analysts argue that the FDLR no longer poses a direct threat to Rwanda, its presence has long served as a primary justification for foreign military incursions. The intersection of local grievances, cross-border alliances, and the pursuit of mineral wealth has transformed the Kivu region into a critical geopolitical arena where peace remains elusive.
Source: Kivu conflict
