Land disputes in rebel-occupied Congo threaten Trump peace deal

An M23 soldier walks on the outskirts of Matanda in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on March 22, 2025.

Photo credit: Reuters

Returning to land they fled during a violent advance by M23 rebels, some farmers in eastern Congo have had an unwelcome surprise: Their fields of cauliflower and cabbage have been taken over by newcomers, including Rwandans.

The resulting tensions could complicate efforts to bring peace and investment to a war-hit region that produces strategic minerals such as coltan, cobalt, copper and lithium.