M23 rebels have captured Minova in eastern DR Congo, advancing closer to Goma, the provincial capital. This move follows their seizure of Masisi, leading to a counteroffensive by the Congolese army. Increased violence has displaced over 200,000 people, with alarming reports of civilian attacks and a rise in casualties.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have recently seized control of Minova, a town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). This development places the rebels approximately 40 kilometers from Goma, the provincial capital near the Rwandan border. The M23 captured Masisi two weeks prior, prompting a counteroffensive from the Congolese army aimed at reclaiming the town.
The conflict in this mineral-rich region has escalated, displacing over 200,000 individuals due to intense fighting between government forces and the rebels. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23, confirmed, “Minova is in our hands,” a claim also verified by provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi.
Reports indicate a significant influx of casualties at local hospitals, with the International Committee of the Red Cross noting that over 300 wounded individuals were treated from early December to mid-January. The M23 has intermittently fought since 2021, gaining substantial territory in eastern DR Congo, which has forced hundreds of thousands to flee their homes.
Concerns arose last year regarding the possibility of the rebels advancing on Goma, a city inhabited by an estimated one to two million people. Although fighting reduced in July, hostilities resumed with increased intensity in October, culminating in renewed violence at the close of the year. Human rights organization Amnesty International highlighted a notable rise in attacks affecting civilians from both sides in the past month.
The M23 is frequently regarded by DR Congo and the UN as a proxy for Rwanda, a claim that Rwanda refutes. However, a UN report from last year acknowledged the presence of approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers supporting the M23. Diplomatic efforts by neighboring nations and other entities to resolve the conflict have not yielded results. The most recent negotiations, scheduled for December 15, were aborted due to disagreements between the leaders of DR Congo and Rwanda.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo is primarily rooted in historical tensions involving various armed groups, including the M23, which has been linked to Rwandan military support. The M23, originally formed in 2012, has persistently challenged the Congolese government, exacerbating humanitarian crises in the region. The area is rich in natural resources, making control over these resources a crucial aspect of the conflict, contributing to the displacement and suffering of countless civilians.
In summary, the capture of Minova by M23 rebels presents a critical development in the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, heightening tensions between the rebels and government forces. Humanitarian concerns are pressing, with large-scale displacement and increasing casualties reported as fighting intensifies. The complexity of the conflict, entwined with foreign influence and failed diplomatic resolutions, underscores the need for renewed efforts towards peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
