M23 rebels have captured Minova, a key supply town in eastern DRC, affecting routes to Goma. The governor confirmed additional towns were taken, exacerbating the ongoing conflict that has displaced millions and led to humanitarian crises. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting the rebels, which Rwanda denies.
M23 rebels have seized the town of Minova in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which is strategically significant as it serves as a critical supply route to the provincial capital, Goma. The provincial governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi, confirmed this development and noted that the rebels also captured the mining towns of Lumbishi, Numbi, and Shanje, along with Bweremana in North Kivu province.
The M23 group, also known as the March 23 Movement, is composed mainly of ethnic Tutsis and originated from the Congolese army over a decade ago. Its resurgence since 2022 has intensified conflicts in eastern DRC, which has long been plagued by violence involving numerous armed groups contesting control over valuable mineral resources, leading to widespread humanitarian crises. Since 1998, an estimated six million individuals have died, with seven million displaced internally due to ongoing hostilities.
The situation in eastern DRC remains critical, as the conflict continues to displace thousands and disrupt humanitarian efforts. The international community has expressed concern over reports of foreign support for M23. The ongoing battles present significant challenges in providing relief to the affected populations, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive peace efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
