Congo: Protracted Social Conflict and the M23 Rebellion. Analyzing the Ongoing Struggle Between the DRC Military and Rebels

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is experiencing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with escalating conflict fueling widespread violence, displacement, and human suffering. The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has launched an offensive, capturing key towns and expanding its grip on the mineral-rich Kivu provinces. The United Nations has reported thousands of civilian casualties, along with an increase in war crimes, child recruitment, and sexual abuse. The conflict has forced nearly 7 million people to flee their homes, with many seeking refuge in Burundi, putting a strain on local resources. Epidemics, food shortages, and a collapsing healthcare system further contribute to the catastrophe. Using the Protracted Social Conflict Theory, this paper investigates the root causes of the violence and its devastating consequences for the region. Keywords: Protracted social conflict theory, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Conflict, DRC Military, March 23 Movement (M23), rebels, Eastern Congo.