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Various theories have been put forward for the persistence of conflict in the eastern Congo, ranging from state weakness to the abundance of natural resources and the importance of local conflict. The author argues that these theories cannot account for the internal variation of conflict within the Congo and lack an understanding of how grievances and interests translate into armed mobilization. Drawing on research of three armed groups in the Kivus—CNDP, Pareco, and Raia Mutomboki—, the author draws attention to the social networks and rifts that sustain armed groups. The persistence of conflict can thus be explained by the political rifts caused by the peace process, strong mobilization networks, and the burgeoning use of armed groups by political actors to bolster their stature.