This week, we seek to understand what is causing the escalating conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The historical tensions and recent developments have culminated in a humanitarian crisis that demands global attention. As many thousands this year have been displaced, killed or been subject to violence, we explore the complex background of this conflict, sharing insights on the major players and their motivations. As always, we invite you to join us in offering intention and prayer for the affected....
This week, we seek to understand what is causing the escalating conflict between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda. The historical tensions and recent developments have culminated in a humanitarian crisis that demands global attention. As many thousands this year have been displaced, killed or been subject to violence, we explore the complex background of this conflict, sharing insights on the major players and their motivations. As always, we invite you to join us in offering intention and prayer for the affected. Intention holding and prayers start at 16 minutes 20 seconds.
Suggested Intention Focus for this week
This week, as hopes of negotiations aimed at reaching a lasting peace between the Democatic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda are revived, we suggest holding as our main intention:
We will that all parties seeking to navigate a way forward in the dispute between Rwanda and the DRC over their competing interests in North Kivu will receive wisdom to conceive a comprehensive agreement that is acceptable to all parties.
Please join us in holding this.
Intention holding and prayers start at 16 minutes 20 seconds.
Chapter Markers:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:16:20 Intentions and Prayers
00:01:04 Overview of the Conflict
00:02:00 Geography of the Conflict
00:07:13 Historical Roots of the Conflict
00:08:49 The Rise of M23
00:10:40 Prospects for Peace
00:18:31 Intention Focus
Sources referenced in this episode:
https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/africa-file-special-edition-m23-march-threatens-expanded-conflict-dr-congo-and-regional
https://humanitarianaction.info/document/global-humanitarian-overview-2025/article/democratic-republic-congo-rrp-1
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/congo-rwanda-border-reopens-with-extended-service-hours-4924526
https://www.usip.org/publications/2025/02/drc-rwanda-truce-key-african-and-us-interests-heres-how-get-there
https://amaniafrica-et.org/psc-summit-on-the-situation-in-eastern-drc/
https://casebook.icrc.org/case-study/democratic-republic-congo-conflict-kivus
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgly1yrd9j3o
https://www.justiceinfo.net/en/141061-modern-day-gold-rush-north-kivu-what-law-can-do.html
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/14/dozens-of-children-raped-by-armed-men-in-eastern-drc-unicef-says
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgmj00zjrpo
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/14/dr-congos-m23-fighters-seize-bukavu-airport-before-african-union-summit
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2025-02-09/African-leaders-call-for-immediate-ceasefire-in-eastern-DR-Congo-1AQoVSGQCli/p.html
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckgyzl1mlkvo
https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/tea/news/east-africa/fears-mount-as-m23-capture-towns-outside-bukavu-4926586
https://africacenter.org/spotlight/risk-of-regional-conflict-following-fall-of-goma-and-m23-offensive-in-the-drc/
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/13/as-the-drc-battles-rwanda-backed-m23-whats-needed-to-stop-the-fighting
https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/historic-case-by-dr-congo-against-rwanda-kicks-off-at-african-court-amid-conflict-in-goma/3479863
https://theconversation.com/drc-conflict-talks-have-failed-to-bring-peace-is-it-time-to-try-sanctions-248792
https://www.cfr.org/global-conflict-tracker/conflict/violence-democratic-republic-congo
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2025/02/events-drc-show-new-realpolitik-emerging-africa-one-fraught-danger
https://www.dw.com/en/dr-congo-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-conflict/a-71437683
Join us in person for intention holding:
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/events-1 Labyrinth Activist Network Zoom calls
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj Daily intention holding with Clive on Insight Timer.
Our websites:
www.heartfulimpact.com/ Our show website.
https://globalhealingresponse.com/ Global Healing Response ~ Offers a wealth of prayers, suggested practices and prompts in response to environmental catastrophe, conflict, and other world events.
https://www.legacylabyrinthproject.org/ Legacy Labyrinth Project ~ Creating global energetic connections through the labyrinth; inspiring active intention sending using the labyrinth via labyrinth activism.
https://www.clivejohnsonministry.com/ Clive Johnson Ministry ~ Events and offerings aimed at building beloved community, including weekly energy holding vigils and Power of Eight group.
https://insighttimer.com/cliverj ~ Daily intention holding.
Impact! Is presented by Ellen Bintz and Clive Johnson. It is produced by Impact Productions.
Our show content is hosted by Podbean and available from all major podcast platforms.
Our theme music is by Chris Collins. indiemusicbox.com.
Our logo artwork is by AltoClassic (Getty Images/istock).
Contact us via Facebook Messenger from the Impact! Facebook group, or using any of the contact methods mentioned on our websites.
Impact! www.heartfulimpact.com.
