Retracing history in the Great Lakes: Who is supporting the M23?

In 2013, the M23 surrendered to a multinational attack in eastern Congo-Kinshasa, but today, history seems to be repeating itself. Conflict in the region has several factors, including state weakness in the DRC, Rwanda's military operations beyond its borders, ambiguous relations between Uganda and Rwanda, transborder economic interests, and ethnic loyalties across national borders. Rwanda has a history of supporting armed groups in Eastern DRC, such as the CNDP and the M23, even after officially withdrawing its troops in 2003, resulting in grave human rights abuses and illegal exploitation of Congolese natural resources. In November 2021, the M23 resurged with Rwandan support, and in March 2022, they attacked Congolese army positions. The situation continued to escalate, with the Congolese government summoning Rwanda to cease its support for the M23 and Congolese accusations against Rwanda being vindicated by the UN Group of Experts on the DRC. This led to the expulsion of the Rwandan ambassador to the DRC on 30 October 2022, causing a new low in bilateral relations. Regional leaders launched two peace initiatives to control the situation, led by Angolan President João Lourenço on behalf of the African Union and former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on behalf of the East African Community. Kenya has since taken the lead politically and militarily, with Kenyatta acting as a mediator and an EAC regional force deployment in November