The resurgence of the M23 rebel group in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reignited global attention, primarily due to the severe humanitarian crisis marked by mass displacement and loss of life.

However, this conflict also poses significant threats to the environment, particularly within the Albertine Rift-a renowned biodiversity hotspot encompassing areas like the Kivu provinces. This region is home to endangered species such as eastern lowland and mountain gorillas and includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Virunga and Kahuzi-Biega National Parks.

To delve deeper into the environmental repercussions of the ongoing conflict, Peter Ndoro spoke to Dr Fergus O'Leary Simpson, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Antwerp's Institute of Development Policy.