SUMMARY
RCD (The Rassemblement Congolais pour la Démocratie, Congolese Rally for Democracy), also often referred to as RCD-Goma, was one of the main rebel groups fighting the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the war 1998-2002. The armed force of the group was called ANC (Armée Nationale Congolaise, the Congolese National Army).
The original RCD was formed on 12 August 1998 by various political elements opposing the President Kabila. Key opposition leaders were called to a meeting in Goma were the movement was formed with direct support from Rwanda and Uganda. RCD managed to control large parts of eastern DR Congo. Following a peace agreement RCD transitioned into a political party, participating in the transitional government and subsequent elections.
RCD presented two main objectives in its political declaration for launching their organization. Their first objective was to end dictatorship and rebuild the country, the second to promote peace in the region. In practice, the movement became a front promoting the interests of Rwanda and, to a lesser extent, Uganda, and its governance was widely rejected by the local population. Despite its declared aims, the RCD quickly gained a reputation for widespread human rights abuses and harsh military rule in the territories it controlled.
RCD-Goma established its headquarters in Goma, North Kivu. At its zenith, it controlled vast regions in eastern DR Congo, including Nord and Sud Kivu, parts of Maniema, northern Katanga, and the strategic city of Kisangani. Its influence was most pronounced in urban centers, while rural areas experienced varying degrees of control .
In early August the embryo of RCD, consisting of DR Congo army's 10th battalion and some Banyamulenge militia, launched the armed rebellion against President Kabila. Later RCD became a movement that brought together a wide range of opposition figures in the country. For example RCD included members fighting on both sides in the 1996-1997 intrastate conflict, both former members of AFDL and former Mobutuists including ex-Forces Armées Zaïroises (FAZ) soldiers.
RCD-Goma operated a centralized command structure with significant Rwandan oversight. It maintained administrative and taxation systems in its territories, effectively functioning as a de facto state. The movement's governance was characterized by authoritarian practices, including coercive taxation and suppression of dissent.
The armed wing of RCD-Goma was the Armée Nationale Congolaise (ANC). At its formation the group comprised 19 battalions with approximately 15 000 troops, the ANC expanded its ranks through recruitment and conscription. At its peak, RCD's military strength was estimated at up to 40 000 troops. The force was well-equipped, benefiting from Rwandan military support. In the beginning ANC was commanded by Sylvain Mbuki and Jean Pieerre Ondekane.
The leadership of the RCD initially fell to Professor Ernest Wamba dia Wamba, a respected intellectual who had returned from exile in Tanzania. His tenure was short-lived. Deep divisions emerged within the movement over both ideology and strategy, particularly between Ugandan and Rwandan sponsors. Uganda preferred a political approach to negotiations and governance, while Rwanda favored a militarized campaign and strict control of the leadership. These tensions culminated in a major split in May 1999 following a violent dispute over control of Kisangani. At a congress, with the aim of uniting the movement, in Goma, in January 1999, Rwandan-backed members of the RCD had appointed Dr Émile Ilunga as the new leader, effectively sidelining Wamba dia Wamba. In response, Wamba relocated to Kisangani under Ugandan military protection, where he insisted he remained the legitimate leader. The majority of the RCD’s military forces remained loyal to Ilunga, who led the Rwanda-aligned faction that became known as RCD-Goma. Wamba's faction, with Ugandan backing, formed RCD-ML (Mouvement de Libération). A new leadership crisis appeared in 2000 in order to handle the crisis Ilunga was replaced with Adolphe Onsumba on 30 October 2000. Onusumba became President of RCD he would be assisted by Azerias Ruberwa who became appointed to the newly created position of general secretary.
Following the Sun City Agreement in April 2002, RCD-Goma joined other parties and rebel groups in forming a transitional government. On 30 June 2003 Azarias Ruberwa took up the position as one of four vice presidents, overseeing political affairs, defense, and security. The agreement also stipulated the integration of various armed groups, including RCD-Goma's ANC, into a restructured national army, the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC). After 30 June 2003 RCD is seen as part of the Government of DR Congo (Zaire).
Rwanda was the principal supporter of RCD. Uganda initially provided backing during the formation of the original RCD.
RCD has been involved in the intrastate, non-state and one-sided categories of UCDP organised violence.
