Political situation in Rwanda

After the genocide: Rwanda has become a power player

31 years ago, Rwanda was involved in one of the most brutal genocides ever. The country's name still evokes sympathy. But over the decades, Rwanda has transformed into a controversial heavyweight in Africa, writes the Wall Street Journal in a report.

Its military has trained with US special forces, the Chinese army and other global defense forces. In Mozambique, they fight Islamist groups and defend natural gas supplies to the West. In South Sudan and the Central African Republic, their soldiers are part of UN security forces.

But their most conspicuous involvement has been in Congo-Kinshasa this spring, where they have been accused of supporting the rebel group M-23, which launched an attack in January. Rwanda has adopted an increasingly aggressive role in the hope of gaining control of Congo-Kinshasa's important mineral resources.

Thanks to the peace agreement brokered by the US at the end of June, the country gained control over large parts of eastern Congo-Kinshasa. There are now opportunities for them to receive billions in investments from Western companies interested in mines and minerals.

After the genocide: Rwanda has become a power player

31 years ago, Rwanda was involved in one of the most brutal genocides ever. The country's name still evokes sympathy. But over the decades that have passed, Rwanda has been transformed into a controversial heavyweight in Africa, writes the Wall Street Journal in a report.

Its military has trained with US special forces, the Chinese army and other global defense forces. In Mozambique, they are fighting Islamist groups and defending natural gas supplied to the West. In South Sudan and the Central African Republic, their soldiers are in UN security forces.

But their most conspicuous involvement has been in Congo-Kinshasa in the spring, where they have been accused of supporting the rebel group M-23, which launched an attack in January. Rwanda has taken an increasingly aggressive role in the hope of gaining control of Congo-Kinshasa's important mineral resources.

Thanks to the peace agreement brokered by the United States at the end of June, the country gained control of large parts of eastern Congo-Kinshasa. There are now opportunities for them to receive billions in investments from Western companies interested in mines and minerals.

The fight between M-23 and Congo-Kinshasa - this is what happened

February 2025:  M23 rebels capture Goma and Bukavu, thousands are killed and hundreds of thousands flee. The UN reports record levels of sexual violence against children and 150 women are raped during a prison break.

March 2025:  M23 takes Walikale and withdraws from peace talks after EU sanctions. Tens of thousands flee to Burundi, at least 3,000 dead since January according to AP and CNN.

2025, April:  M23 offensive leaves over 1,000 homes destroyed in Sake. Planned talks between Congo and M23 postponed, over 100,000 forced to leave refugee camps in Goma.

2025, May:  Congo-Kinshasa's ex-president Kabila loses immunity from prosecution, risks prosecution for war crimes linked to M23.

2025, June:  Congo and Rwanda sign peace agreement in the US, Rwanda must withdraw forces within 90 days. UN reports war crimes by both M23 and Congo's army.

2025, july:  UN experts conclude that Rwanda controls M23 and mineral deposits. Despite peace agreement, fighting has continued. At least 66 civilians are killed in ADF attack in Irumu, 38 are shot dead in church by IS-backed group.