Date: Ongoing in May-June 2025
President Tshisekedi continues to focus on addressing the persistent security crisis in the eastern part of the country. Recent reports from the region highlight intensified diplomatic efforts and military operations against armed groups like the M23. As part of his strategy, the government has continued to collaborate with regional forces from the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to secure the territories. These actions underscore his unwavering commitment to restoring peace and protecting the civilian population, a central challenge of his second term.
Intensified Diplomatic and Military Efforts
US-Brokered Peace Deal: A significant development in late June 2025 was the signing of a US-brokered peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda. This deal, which was preceded by a ceasefire brokered by Qatar in March, aims to end hostilities, respect territorial integrity, and facilitate the disarmament and demobilization of armed groups. It also includes an economic framework focused on US investment in the critical mineral supply chains of both countries. This is seen as a new approach that ties economic incentives to peace and governance.
Military Operations Against M23: The M23 rebel group has remained a primary focus of military operations. In late 2024 and early 2025, M23 had seized control of key cities in North and South Kivu, including Goma and Bukavu. In May and June 2025, M23 intensified its offensive operations against pro-government fighters and has been conducting "clearing operations" in areas it controls, claiming to be targeting armed individuals and criminals. These actions have been widely criticized, with reports of arbitrary detentions and torture.
Regional Collaboration: President Tshisekedi's government has continued to rely on regional forces to secure the territories.
SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC): The Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission has been actively engaged in the conflict. SADC has strongly condemned attacks on its troops by M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and has expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation. SADC leaders have held summits with EAC leaders to coordinate efforts and develop a roadmap for peace.
East African Community (EAC): The EAC has also been involved in mediation and security efforts. A joint EAC-SADC summit in March 2025 appointed a panel of five former presidents to facilitate the peace process. This panel is tasked with taking over dialogue efforts and ensuring a coherent approach to mediation. The DRC and Rwanda have also had direct talks under EAC and other facilitation.
Key Challenges and Priorities
Humanitarian Crisis: The intensified conflict has exacerbated a severe humanitarian crisis. By April 2024, an estimated 7.3 million people had been displaced. The M23's capture of Goma and Bukavu in early 2025 disrupted the delivery of humanitarian aid, leading to food shortages and overwhelmed medical facilities.
Protecting Civilians: A central challenge for President Tshisekedi's second term is protecting the civilian population from the violence of armed groups. The M23's recent clearing operations have raised concerns about human rights violations, including arbitrary detention and torture.
Addressing Root Causes: Analysts emphasize that lasting peace requires addressing the underlying socioeconomic and political issues that fuel the conflict. This includes the marginalization of communities, the exploitation of mineral wealth, and the role of external actors.
Justice and Accountability: A major priority for Tshisekedi's government is to reform the justice system and ensure accountability for serious crimes. Widespread impunity has been a significant factor in the recurring cycles of violence. In a controversial move, the government reinstated the death penalty in March 2025, claiming it would deter "treason" within the army and quell gang violence. This decision has been widely condemned by human rights organizations.
Coordination of Peace Efforts: There are multiple mediation efforts underway, involving the US, Qatar, the EAC, and SADC. A key challenge is to harmonize and streamline these efforts to ensure they are complementary and not counterproductive.