The world's major conflict zones — what's happening, who's involved, and what comes next.
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Critical
Elevated
NYIRAGONGO — LAVA GLOW
Eastern DRC has been in continuous conflict since the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide. The current crisis — driven by the Rwanda-backed M23 rebellion — has displaced millions and now threatens the regional capital Bukavu. The conflict is fundamentally about resources: the eastern provinces hold some of the world's largest deposits of cobalt, coltan, and tin.
Parties Involved
🇨🇩 DRC (FARDC)M23 rebels🇷🇼 Rwanda (backing M23)FDLR100+ armed groups
What Happens Next
LikelyM23 consolidates hold on eastern DRC. Regional diplomacy fails. Mineral wealth continues to fuel conflict.
RiskDRC-Rwanda escalates into a direct interstate war, drawing in Uganda and Burundi.