M23 rebels have captured Minova in eastern DRC, triggering widespread displacement. The takeover affects supply routes to Goma, with significant advances in the region amid allegations of Rwandan support for the rebels. The ongoing conflict has created a humanitarian crisis, displacing over 237,000 individuals this year alone.
M23 rebels have successfully captured Minova, a critical town in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), serving as a vital supply route to Goma, the provincial capital. This takeover has triggered a significant movement of residents seeking safety amid an intensified offensive by the rebels, who have recently taken control of multiple strategic locations.
South Kivu’s provincial governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi, confirmed that the M23 rebels have also taken several other towns, including Lumbishi, Numbi, Shanje, and Bweremana in the neighboring North Kivu province. The Congolese military acknowledged the rebels’ recent advances but refrained from confirming the towns’ capture.
The M23, or March 23 Movement, is a militant group primarily comprised of ethnic Tutsis who dissociated from the Congolese army over a decade ago. Gaining prominence in 2012 with their seizure of Goma, M23 is among approximately 100 armed groups competing for dominance in the resource-rich eastern DRC, contributing to a prolonged humanitarian crisis with over 7 million displaced individuals.
Allegations have surfaced against Rwanda, suggesting that the neighboring country is providing support to M23, a claim which Rwanda has officially denied. In recent developments, the M23 rebels captured the key mining town of Masisi, further strengthening their position in eastern DRC.
Minova’s strategic location along the shores of Lake Kivu renders it an essential port and agricultural transit point to Goma, situated 45 kilometers away. The U.N. refugee agency reported that since the start of 2023, more than 237,000 people have been displaced due to the escalating violence in eastern Congo.
The M23 rebel group emerged as a notable force in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, initially breaking away from the Congolese army more than ten years ago. The group has leveraged ethnic dynamics and regional tensions, particularly with Rwanda. The ongoing conflict in the region is fueled by over 100 armed groups contending for control over valuable mineral resources, driving one of the largest humanitarian crises globally. Recent escalations have seen M23 advance on critical supply routes, adversely affecting local populations and discarding thousands from their homes.
In conclusion, the recent capture of Minova by M23 rebels underscores the escalating conflict in eastern DRC, significantly affecting the civilian population and regional stability. With their strategic gains, including key towns like Masisi, M23 has heightened tensions concerning regional support from neighboring countries, notably Rwanda. The humanitarian implications remain dire, as displacement and insecurity continue to rise amid this persistent conflict.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
