Understanding the DRC-Rwanda Conflict: A Deep Dive

This week, we seek to understand what is causing the escalating conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The historical tensions and recent developments have culminated in a humanitarian crisis that demands global attention. As many thousands this year have been displaced, killed or been subject to violence, we explore the complex background of this conflict, sharing insights on the major players and their motivations. As always, we invite you to join us in offering intention and prayer for the affected. Intention holding and prayers start at 16 minutes 20 seconds. Suggested Intention Focus for this week This week, as hopes of negotiations aimed at reaching a lasting peace between the Democatic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda are revived, we suggest holding as our main intention:  We will that all parties seeking to navigate a way forward in the dispute between Rwanda and the DRC over their competing interests in North Kivu will receive wisdom to conceive a comprehensive agreement that is acceptable to all parties. Please join us in holding this. Intention holding and prayers start at 16 minutes 20 seconds. Chapter Markers: 00:00:00        Introduction 00:16:20        Intentions and Prayers 00:01:04        Overview of the Conflict 00:02:00        Geography of the Conflict 00:07:13        Historical Roots of the Conflict 00:08:49        The Rise of M23 00:10:40        Prospects for Peace 00:18:31        Intention Focus Sources referenced in this episode: https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/africa-file-special-edition-m23-march-threatens-expanded-conflict-dr-congo-and-regional https://humanitarianaction.info/document/global-humanitarian-overview-2025/article/democratic-republic-congo-rrp-1 https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/congo-rwanda-border-reopens-with-extended-service-hours-4924526 https://www.usip.org/publications/2025/02/drc-rwanda-truce-key-african-and-us-interests-heres-how-get-there https://amaniafrica-et.org/psc-summit-on-the-situation-in-eastern-drc/ https://casebook.icrc.org/case-study/democratic-republic-congo-conflict-kivus https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgly1yrd9j3o https://www.justiceinfo.net/en/141061-modern-day-gold-rush-north-kivu-what-law-can-do.html https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/14/dozens-of-children-raped-by-armed-men-in-eastern-drc-unicef-says https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgmj00zjrpo https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/14/dr-congos-m23-fighters-seize-bukavu-airport-before-african-union-summit https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-09/African-leaders-call-for-immediate-ceasefire-in-eastern-DR-Congo-1AQoVSGQCli/p.html https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgyzl1mlkvo https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/fears-mount-as-m23-capture-towns-outside-bukavu-4926586 https://africacenter.org/spotlight/risk-of-regional-conflict-following-fall-of-goma-and-m23-offensive-in-the-drc/ https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/13/as-the-drc-battles-rwanda-backed-m23-whats-needed-to-stop-the-fighting https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/historic-case-by-dr-congo-against-rwanda-kicks-off-at-african-court-amid-conflict-in-goma/3479863 https://theconversation.com/drc-conflict-talks-have-failed-to-bring-peace-is-it-time-to-try-sanctions-248792 https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/violence-democratic-republic-congo https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/02/events-drc-show-new-realpolitik-emerging-africa-one-fraught-danger https://www.dw.com/en/dr-congo-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-conflict/a-71437683 Join us in person for intention holding:   https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls   https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.   Our websites:    www.heartfulimpact.com/   Our show website.   https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.   https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.   https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.   https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.   Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.   Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.   Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.   Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).   Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.   Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.