Description: Uganda has sent additional 1,000 military troops to support DR Congo’s military in the fight against M23 rebel groups in the eastern parts of the country. The rebel group recently made significant ground advances in the city of Goma as they faced severe resistance from Congolese and Burundian troops near the town. The UN envoy has struggled to ascertain themselves in the region as the scale humanitarian crisis intensified. Even though Ugandan military had previously trained M23 rebel forces, now they appear to support the current Congolese government and military. As the conflict rages on, Ugandan forces could potentially have a significant impact in repelling short – term attacks from M23 armed rebel militants.
Impact: The conflict had plunged the eastern African region into a humanitarian disaster as Congo has significant difficulties in countering the M23 rebel group. The conflict showcased the ever-revolving alliances and regional powers such as Rwanda and Uganda being involved with interest in DR Congo’s mineral reserves. The M23 rebel group continues to mark success as the international community still hasn’t acted on the regional armed conflict which could potentially spread across other neighboring countries. The main goal of the armed conflict is the establishment of regional geopolitical power hub and access to the untapped mineral and natural resources potentials of the DR Congo. The latest developments indicate on future increase in Rwandan influence if other countries are unable to deter M23 rebel militants.