Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore peace, fighting continues in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where on March 19, the Tutsi-led M23 movement seized the strategic town of Walikale. This marks the farthest west the rebels have advanced since January, having already overrun Goma and Bukavu, the two largest cities in eastern Congo. The ongoing hostilities persist despite a recent meeting between Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Doha, Qatar, where they called for an immediate ceasefire and reaffirmed their commitment to peace talks initiated through the Nairobi and Luanda processes in 2022.

The day after this high-level meeting, direct talks between the DRC government and the M23-led rebel coalition, the Alliance of Congo River (AFC), were expected to take place in Angola. However, M23 pulled out of the discussions on March 17, citing European Union sanctions against some of its leaders and Rwandan officials as a reason. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the AFC, dismissed the ceasefire appeal from Doha and maintained that his forces were not fighting on Rwanda’s behalf. He also reiterated his demand for direct negotiations with Kinshasa as the only viable resolution to the conflict. The M23 rebels have consistently called for an end to what they describe as the persecution of Tutsis in Congo and for improvements in national governance.

As the rebel group continues its territorial expansion, it has begun implementing administrative structures to consolidate power over the areas under its control. While some local militias in South Kivu have resisted the advances of M23, factions in North Kivu have aligned with the rebels, further complicating the situation.

Amidst the escalating violence, religious institutions have taken an active role in peace-building. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of Congo (CENCO) and the Church of Christ in Congo (ECC) have been leading high-level discussions as part of their "Social Pact for Peace and Coexistence in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Great Lakes Region." This peace initiative, launched in January, aims to foster internal reconciliation and regional stability. The church-led delegation has engaged with both President Tshisekedi and M23 representatives, advocating for a ceasefire and urging international involvement. On March 19, the delegation met with French President Emmanuel Macron, who expressed his full support for their peace roadmap.

However, the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC continues to worsen. In cities like Goma and Bukavu, civilians live in fear as violence escalates. Government forces have either withdrawn or been overpowered, leading to widespread looting, extortion, and summary executions. The displacement crisis has intensified, with thousands killed and many more forced to flee their homes. Hunger is widespread, and aid efforts remain severely hampered by security challenges.

Beyond the immediate humanitarian toll, the conflict has also disrupted daily life in affected regions. Schools have been forced to close, and the local economy has come to a standstill, exacerbating the suffering of civilians.

The roots of this conflict trace back to the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and competition for the DRC’s vast mineral resources, including cobalt, gold, diamonds, and other valuable metals. Multinational corporations have taken advantage of the region’s instability, further complicating peace efforts. These historical and economic factors were highlighted during a conference held on March 20 at the Pontifical University Antonianum, titled "Rethinking Peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo."

With troops from DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi all engaged in recent clashes, there is a growing concern that the conflict could escalate into a broader regional war, reminiscent of the 1998-2003 conflict that claimed millions of lives. As diplomatic efforts continue, the role of religious institutions and international actors remains crucial in steering the region toward peace and stability.