War Escalates in Africa

Fighting continues in the Congo over the control of resources. Recently, Rwanda-based M23 rebel forces captured Goma, Congo’s largest regional hub and home to about two million people. The city “is a key location in the conflict-battered North Kivu province whose minerals are critical to much of the world’s technology. Rebel groups have long fought over control of eastern Congo’s mineral wealth, and the conflict has often pitted ethnic groups against one another, with civilians forced to flee their homes and seek protection from armed groups” (AP News, January 27, 2025). M23 forces have continued taking further towns in the region (AP News, January 29, 2025).

The Congolese government has announced it is “in a war situation” with Rwanda’s M23 rebels, and Rwanda has complaints of its own. The UN Security Council condemned the M23 attack and called for a withdrawal and the return of Congo’s sovereignty. “Armed conflicts have internally displaced over 7 million people. Human rights organizations have reported widespread atrocities, including massacres, sexual violence and the recruitment of child soldiers” (Deutsche Welle, January 28, 2025).

Although many groups have fought the Congolese government for years, trying to cash in on Congo’s riches, the current escalation of fighting is very troubling. Over 7 million Congolese are already displaced due to fighting across the country, and peace between the fighting groups seems unattainable. The Apostle James addressed this issue when he wrote that the cause of wars is related to human lust and greed (James 4:1–3). This world needs a Savior to bring real and lasting peace. To learn more, read or listen to “The End of War.”