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War in Eastern DRC: potential solutions

Through a study conducted from December 9 to 20, 2022, Target SARL polled national opinion on possible solutions to the war against the M23, a movement supported by some neighboring countries. The survey covered 8 cities: Bukavu, Goma, Kinshasa, Kolwezi, Lubumbashi, Matadi, Mbandaka, and Mbujimayi. The sample is 1200 people in the age range of 18 to 50 years.

For this quantitative approach, Target Sarl used the method of face-to-face interviews using smartphones (Computer Assisted Mobile Interviewing) to collect data.

The results below are based on 8 propositions provided to the respondents. The study found that the Congolese are divided between 4 solutions to end the war:

  • 22% of Congolese suggest a direct dialogue with Rwanda and Uganda. In this proposal, there are more women (29%) and those aged 50 and over (23%) in the cities of Kolwezi (40%) and Mbuji-Mayi (33%).
  • 20% think that diplomatic efforts should continue to stop Rwanda from supporting the M23 rebels. For this second lead, 20% are men, and 19% are women. However, the results show that it is more likely to be people in the 18 to 24 age group (21%) in the cities of Mbandaka (33%) and Matadi (23%).
  • 19% want a war with Rwanda and Uganda. This option is most often mentioned by residents of Goma (31%) and Kinshasa (22%).
  • 18% support efforts to disarm, demobilize and reintegrate rebels into society. The proportion is highest in Mbandaka (48%), Bukavu (35%), and Lubumbashi (24%).
  • 22% of Congolese suggest a direct dialogue with Rwanda and Uganda. In this proposal, there are more women (29%) and those aged 50 and over (23%) in the cities of Kolwezi (40%) and Mbuji-Mayi (33%).
  • 20% think that diplomatic efforts should continue to stop Rwanda from supporting the M23 rebels. For this second lead, 20% are men, and 19% are women. However, the results show that it is more likely to be people in the 18 to 24 age group (21%) in the cities of Mbandaka (33%) and Matadi (23%).
  • 19% want a war with Rwanda and Uganda. This option is most often mentioned by residents of Goma (31%) and Kinshasa (22%).
  • 18% support efforts to disarm, demobilize and reintegrate rebels into society. The proportion is highest in Mbandaka (48%), Bukavu (35%), and Lubumbashi (24%).


  • Other suggestions have low or mixed results. 4% of Congolese support facilitating dialogue with armed groups and their countries of origin. 1% support maintaining dialogue with foreign armed groups, except for the M23. Another one percent welcome the deployment of the EAC regional force.

    You can see the infographic with the results of the study: ici

    For more than a decade, the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced a precarious security situation that has resulted in deaths, rape, displacement, and hampered development. Hundreds of armed groups swarm the eastern regions, the largest of which is the M23, which has the resources of a regular army. The United Nations, through the Monusco mission, has attested to Rwanda's support for this movement. Rwanda continues to deny this.

    Saturday, January 14, 2023 - 14:49