Chaired by: Megha Mohan, Broadcast Journalist, BBC

Venue:  Brunei Suite – Brunei Gallery, SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, London WC1H 0XG

About the Event

The M23 rebel movement, or Mouvement du 23 Mars, is the latest focus
in Congo's cycle of violent insurrections in the East of the country. It
has been fighting the government's Armed Forces (FARDC), largely in
North Kivu Province, since a mutiny within the Congolese army in April.

Following a report by the UN panel of experts on the DRC, Rwanda and
Uganda have been accused of supporting the movement. In the case of
Rwanda, James Kabarebe – the country's Minister of Defence – has been
mooted as M23's de-facto leader, allegations which are strongly denied.

While the DRC is bearing the brunt of the current conflict, thousands
of refugees have crossed the border in to Uganda and some international
donors have cut or cancelled aid to Rwanda. In the UK, former Secretary
of State for International Development Andrew Mitchell has been
criticised for his decision to sign off £8 million worth of aid to the
Rwandan government before leaving office.

Our panel of experts will shed light on the current situation,
offering in-depth analysis of the historical tensions between Kinshasa
and Kigali, the many drivers of conflict in Eastern Congo and the wider
regional implications.

We will be looking to answer questions, such as: What are the main
grievances of the M23 rebel movement? Do Rwanda and Uganda have vested
interests in the conflict? Does M23 change our view of Rwanda as a
'model democracy'? And what does the movement mean for the already weak
Congolese state and the fragile government of Joseph Kabila? Lastly,
what should be the role of the UN and other international actors?

To attend this event: RSVP@royalafricansociety.org