M23 rebels seized the key town of Masisi in eastern DRC on January 4, 2023, following a series of territorial gains since 2021. Their capture of Masisi has triggered alarm over humanitarian conditions. Recent peace negotiations between DRC and Rwanda collapsed, highlighting ongoing tensions and instability in the region.
On January 4, the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) captured the city of Masisi, an essential urban center in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The M23 militia, which has gained considerable territory in the DRC since 2021, is supported by the Rwandan military, leading to widespread displacement and a growing humanitarian crisis. Recent peace talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, facilitated by Angola, were abruptly cancelled in mid-December due to disagreements over the proposed conditions of the peace agreement.
The eastern DRC, rich in minerals, has a long history of conflict involving various local and foreign armed groups, particularly stemming from the regional wars in the 1990s. Since 2021, the M23 has exploited this volatility to expand its control over vast areas, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The recent seizure of Masisi is a critical moment, especially in light of previous efforts to mediate peace between the conflicting parties, highlighting the ongoing instability in the region.
The capture of Masisi by the M23 underscores the critical humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC and the urgent need for intervention from the Congolese government. With the ongoing violence and displacement of civilians, it is imperative for the international community and local authorities to reassess their strategies and work towards sustainable solutions to stabilize the region. The failure of recent peace talks indicates that without effective negotiations and strengthened military capacities, the cycle of conflict will persist.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
