The Facts
Fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) between army forces and M23 rebels has moved close to the key eastern city of Goma an army spokesperson said on Monday. Thousands have been displaced amid diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.
The clashes have been among the heaviest since the government drove the M23 rebels into neighboring Rwanda in 2013. Many of the 188K people the UN says were most recently displaced are facing unsafe and unsanitary conditions in makeshift camps.
The Spin
Narrative A
This is a fight between the DRC and Rwanda, not some rogue rebel group. Just as the international community has condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine, it needs to condemn Rwanda's invasion of the Congo because of power and resources. The DRC is rich with the minerals necessary for the incoming global energy transition, and it's the Congolese people's right, not external forces, to control the future of their homeland.
Narrative B
While there is blame to go around, the DRC government's responsibilities shouldn't be forgotten. As the UN peacekeeping mission rolls back its involvement and the DRC conducts elections next year, either Pres. Tshisekedi or his potential successor needs to take charge of the country's east and build a political and military structure to ensure peace.