The M23 movement consists of ex-soldiers from the Congolese army who split off in 2012 and formed a rebel group. The government in Kinshasa sees the influence of neighboring Rwanda behind its strengthening and summoned its ambassador. The Rwandan government has denied the allegations and reports of the arrest of two Rwandan soldiers in the ranks of the M23. Monusco boss Bintou Keita condemned the renewed offensive by the M23 and called for immediate, unconditional surrender.
The rebels accuse the government in Kinshasa of disregarding an agreement that provides for the reintegration of the fighters into the army and civil society. According to the United States, around 130 different armed groups are said to be active in the DR Congo; many of them are concerned with controlling the valuable natural resources. With around 90 million inhabitants, Congo is rich in natural resources such as copper, cobalt, gold and diamonds.