M23’s Impact on Security and Livelihoods in Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo: A New Dawn for Eastern Congo

Since M23 liberated the areas of Masisi, Rutshuru, and Nyiragongo, there have been significant improvements in security, the economy, and social relations among the population.

A KivuPride journalist, while compiling this report, reflected on the time when the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government controlled these areas. At that time, FARDC soldiers collaborated with kidnappers in places like Murukoro, Karengera, Rugari, and Murutare (Virunga Park). The kidnapped individuals’ families were forced to pay ransoms ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

During that same period, civilians engaged in farming lived under the control of FDLR rebels, who harvested crops in areas like Kazaroho, Tongo, Binza, Busanza, Kirama, Bambo, Maryo, Kagando, and many other regions.

Today, however, life has significantly improved with peace and security prevailing.

KivuPride interviewed some residents living in M23-controlled areas, who described the new reality: farming is now safe, and kidnappings have drastically decreased.

One resident said: “Since M23 took control here, there are no more kidnappings. We can farm and harvest, and M23 has reduced the poverty created by the government by 70%. Security is well-established. Now, people can move from Rutshuru and Masisi to Goma and beyond without fear of being killed, robbed, or kidnapped.”

How Does M23 Differ From Other Armed Groups in Eastern DR Congo and Kinshasa?

There are over 100 armed groups in DR Congo, but M23 stands out from the rest.

M23 is a group made up of Congolese citizens, predominantly Kinyarwanda speakers, who claim to fight for their rights, as they feel they are not treated equally with other Congolese. They are often labeled as foreigners by the DRC government and other ethnic groups in the country.

M23’s goal is not only to reclaim and control areas of DR Congo but also to pressure the government to honor agreements and recognize their rights as Congolese citizens.

M23 has demonstrated high levels of strength and capability, to the point where government forces have struggled to reclaim territories held by the movement. As a result, the DRC government has sought assistance from foreign troops.

KivuPride has also learned that MONUSCO recently acknowledged that M23 is different from other armed groups, as it operates more like a professional military force, making it difficult to combat.

In contrast, most other armed groups, including Congolese militias, focus on creating chaos, kidnapping, and killing civilians for looting purposes. Experts monitoring the situation in eastern DR Congo have noted that M23 has broader objectives and superior capabilities compared to these groups.

It is important to remember that M23’s goals include the repatriation of refugees, the removal of armed groups causing insecurity among civilians, and the promotion of overall development. Some citizens view M23 as a capable government, while many believe that the current DRC government acts more like a terrorist group. Supporting M23, they argue, is supporting a government that is truly capable and beneficial to the people.