A rebel militia known as the M23 has taken control of the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), instilling fear and displacing thousands in the capital, Goma. The group captured the city on Sunday night, after a week-long advance in North Kivu province.
This marks the second time the M23 has occupied the region, having seized Goma in 2012.
Origin of the conflict The ongoing conflict in the DRC traces its roots to the first civil war in 1997. That war culminated in a rebel invasion that led to the overthrow of President Mobutu Seseko and the rise of rebel leader Laurent Kabila. Kabila came to power with support from neighboring countries and various groups seeking future benefits.
However, when these allies felt under-rewarded, another conflict broke out in 2003, drawing in several neighboring nations.
