Diplomatic outrage and its limits in eastern Congo

Despite swift international condemnation of the M23 rebels’ capture of parts of Goma—widely believed to be backed by Rwanda—concrete action remains absent. At a United Nations (UN) Security Council meeting on 26 January 2025, Western nations criticised Rwanda’s involvement but stopped short of naming it as the aggressor or imposing sanctions. The African Union’s response echoed the usual calls for de-escalation without directly addressing Kigali’s role. Only a few African nations, notably South Africa, have been more outspoken, particularly after losing 16 soldiers in North Kivu under SAMIDRC (Southern African Development Community – SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo).