The civil war in Congo could soon reach a tipping point 

The latest chapter of unrest in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) began on January 27 when the rebel group M23 captured Goma, the capital city of the DRC’s North Kivu province. Since then, nearly 3,000 people have been killed in the resulting chaos, which threatens to engulf the region in conflict. 

The fall of Goma has only exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the eastern DRC, with hundreds of civilians caught in the crossfire. Residents of Goma have no access to safe drinking water, food assistance programs in the region have been paused, and fighters have raped civilians and looted homes. And the situation could get much worse as M23 moves toward Bukavu, a crucial hub for ongoing humanitarian efforts. 

North Kivu has significant economic and symbolic value. Some of the world’s largest deposits of coltan, an essential component in the production of cell phones and computers, are found in the region. And its proximity to Rwanda has significant implications as well. 

Research by the UN and Human Rights Watch has uncovered “significant photographic and other evidence” of Rwanda’s support for M23, including logistical support, training, and military reinforcements. UN experts estimate that 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are helping train rebel fighters, and assert that Rwanda is in de facto control of M23. 

While Rwanda denies the allegations, the Congolese government cut diplomatic ties with its eastern neighbor two weeks ago, pulling its diplomatic staff from the country. 

Roots in the Rwandan genocide 

The eastern DRC has been in conflict for over 30 years, with much of the unrest stemming from the same ethnic tensions that fueled the Rwandan genocide in 1994. Immediately after the genocide, one million Hutus fled Rwanda for the DRC, fearing reprisals by Paul Kagame’s newly installed Tutsi government. 

This mass migration caused Tutsis in the eastern DRC to fear for their safety. M23, which is comprised mainly of ethnic Tutsis, claims to defend the interests of the Tutsi minority in the eastern DRC. And Congolese officials are reportedly partnering with Hutu militia groups including the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, or FDLR, many of whose members perpetrated the genocide three decades ago. 

Rwandan president Paul Kagame, who led a Tutsi rebel group to victory over Hutu extremists in 1994, called the FDLR an existential threat to Rwanda and vowed that his nation would do whatever is necessary to protect itself. His words have grave international implications–Rwanda and the DRC have threatened to go to war with each other before, and UN sources say that Congolese and Rwandan troops have fired at each other across the border in Goma. 

Without significant efforts made toward a peace settlement, the conflict in Goma threatens to devolve into a full-scale international war. 

Is reconciliation possible? 

As international and ethnic relations in East Africa deteriorate, Christians must remember that every man and woman is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). There are no ethnic distinctions in the kingdom of God—all of us are equally valuable to our creator, and equally in need of his mercy due to our fallen nature (Galatians 3:28, Romans 5:12).

The divide between Hutus and Tutsis originated in the colonial era when the ruling Belgians favored the Tutsi minority over the majority Hutu population. The fallout from these colonial policies continues to create animosity between the two groups, with Hutu and Tutsi alike fearing extermination. 

But even in situations of racial strife, incredible stories of forgiveness emerge when humanity’s brokenness meets the gospel of grace. When escalating racial tensions seem to have no end in sight, Christians are called to pray for every nation—civilians and leaders alike—so that the gospel may advance and suffering may end (1 Timothy 2:1-2).  

At the end of time, a great multitude from every tribe, tongue, and nation–including Hutus and Tutsis–will stand before God’s throne and worship him (Revelation 7:9-10). Until that day arrives, God’s people are called to be his witnesses in all nations, reaching every corner of the world with the good news of his saving grace (Acts 1:8).

How can you bring the gospel to places of strife today?