Description: Troops from neighboring Burundi has withdrawn from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in the fight against the M23 rebel group. Uganda has meanwhile entered the armed fray and sent their own military troops in the war – torn eastern parts of Congo. Recently, M23 rebels have made substantial military advances as they overtook Goma, the North and South Kivu provinces, and were now simultaneously advancing towards the north and the south parts of east Congo. Latest information has indicated that Rwanda has had over 4,000 troops in Congo which facilitated the M23 with valuable intelligence and military support in their advances. The conflict has plunged the country into deepened humanitarian crisis as many were left killed or displaced.
Impact: With the latest military involvement by Uganda, the armed conflict in the Congo enters a different phase where military forces of several countries could exacerbate armed fighting as the conflict could spill across neighboring borders. The failed negotiations on the conference in Tanzania were followed by considerable military advances and control over the mineral – rich east Congo by M23. Little to no international involvement leaves African countries scrambling for support as diplomatic efforts haven’t worked so far in dousing the violence. M23 are left unopposed as the Congolese military is left severely outnumbered and most probably defeated intelligence – wise as M23 has received considerable support in information, logistics and equipment from both Uganda and Rwanda. Uganda’s involvement is preemptive as the country is looking to both establish control in northeastern Congo and prevent the conflict from entering its borders.