Is Rwanda Planning to Give Gen. Laurent Nkunda a Key Role in M23? Rising Tensions Within Its Ranks

A recent report by United Nations experts on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has accused Rwanda of planning to give General Laurent Nkunda a significant leadership role within the M23 rebel movement as a strategy to ease internal tensions plaguing the group. 

The report, released in May by the UN Group of Experts before being submitted to the UN Security Council’s Sanctions Committee, is led by Belgian national Mélanie De Groof.  

It highlights that despite M23’s successful military campaigns in driving Congolese government forces out of several areas, the rebel group is currently facing internal discord and infighting. 

According to the report, the root cause of the internal tensions stems from disputes over leadership appointments and the return of former DRC President Joseph Kabila Kabange, who has recently resurfaced in the city of Goma after years in exile. 

The report reads: 

“Internal tensions within AFC/M23 have intensified due to recent appointments of senior officials [within M23] and the controversial return of former President Joseph Kabila to eastern DRC. These developments have reignited historical rivalries between Rwandan and Ugandan factions within the movement.” 

To restore unity and reinforce support within AFC/M23, the UN experts claim that: 

“The Government of Rwanda is planning to appoint Laurent Nkunda, currently under UN sanctions, to a senior position within AFC/M23.” 

Rwanda has frequently criticized these UN expert reports, accusing the panel of targeting Rwanda unfairly and displaying bias toward the Congolese government. 

General Laurent Nkunda, now 58, is a former high-ranking official in the AFDL and RCD-Goma rebel movements.  

He later founded the CNDP, a militia group that eventually evolved into the current M23, which has been engaged in conflict with the Congolese army for the past three and a half years. 

In 2009, Gen. Nkunda was arrested by Rwandan security forces while attempting to flee to the Rubavu area. He has since been held in Rwanda, where he remains in custody 16 years later.