The Democratic Republic of the Congo, a nation three times the size of Texas that is said to contain minerals worth trillions of dollars that are necessary for computers, smartphones, and electric car batteries, is experiencing a violent insurrection.
The most dramatic escalation in the 13-year-old conflict is the rival group M23’s attempt to extend its power by marching south from Goma. In an area that is accustomed to fierce combat, the United Nations has cautioned that the dispute might turn into a war.
Corneille Nangaa, the leader of M23, promised to fight all the way to Kinshasa, the nation’s capital, after gaining control of Goma, a crucial city in the east of the country, earlier this week. In the meantime, President Felix Tshisekedi pledged to retake every square inch of our territory, and the Congolese government called for a major mobilization.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is around 4,000 miles from the United States, has been at war for many years. The effects of the most recent changes will be felt globally, even though they may appear distant to the United States. NBC News examines the situation in the large African nation and the potential global effects of the crisis.
What s happening?
The Democratic Republic of Congo was plagued by conflict both before and after gaining independence from Belgium in 1960. The most recent conflict has been getting worse for around three years; in January, hostilities between Rwanda-backed M23 terrorists and national troops intensified. According to the United Nations, almost 400,000 people were displaced just last month. Several United Nations forces have also been killed in firefights in Goma.