M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, captured the town of Masisi in eastern DRC on January 4. This has escalated an ongoing humanitarian crisis, with numerous civilians displaced, as the security situation deteriorates amidst unsuccessful peace negotiations between DRC and Rwanda. Local leaders are calling for enhanced military support to address the threats posed by the militia.
On January 4, 2021, the March 23 Movement (M23), a militia supported by Rwanda, captured the strategic town of Masisi in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This latest seizure is part of a broader pattern of territorial gains made by M23 across eastern DRC since 2021, leading to significant displacement of local populations and an escalating humanitarian crisis. The situation has been exacerbated by the cancellation of Angola-mediated peace talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame in mid-December, which were halted due to disagreements over proposed terms.
The deputy of North Kivu province, Alexis Bahunga, expressed deep concern over the takeover, stating, “It is with dismay that we learn of the capture of Masisi center by the M23.” He emphasized that the situation has led the territory into a serious humanitarian crisis and called for the Congolese government to enhance the operational capabilities of its national army, the FARDC.
Masisi residents reported that the M23 occupation began at approximately 2:00 PM local time. Amid the takeover, civilians sought refuge in local hospitals and parishes as gunfire erupted in their vicinity. One medical source noted there were casualties among civilians, although no fatalities had been officially reported. Despite the calm in the town center after the initial chaos, many residents remained on high alert following clashes between M23 rebels and the Congolese army earlier in the day.
The eastern DRC has long been marred by violence, with ongoing conflicts involving various armed groups dating back to the regional wars of the 1990s. The mineral-rich region continues to be a focal point for both local disputes and foreign intervention, leading to complex humanitarian challenges.
The Democratic Republic of Congo has faced persistent instability in its eastern regions, subjected to longstanding conflicts that have involved local militias and foreign entities, particularly following the regional wars of the 1990s. The M23 militia, composed of former members of a previous insurgency, has re-emerged with backing from Rwanda, claiming to act in the interest of protecting ethnic Tutsi groups. The area has seen significant humanitarian crises as conflicts have led to extensive population displacements and severe shortages of aid. Les efforts to mediate these crises often face hurdles, as evidenced by the abrupt cancellation of peace talks between the DRC and Rwanda.
The recent actions of the M23 militia in capturing Masisi illuminate the ongoing volatility in eastern DRC, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. The capture has raised alarms among local leaders regarding the critical need for strengthened military support for the Congolese army. With the failure of diplomatic talks between DRC and Rwanda, the prospects for stability in the region remain uncertain, highlighting the necessity for international attention and intervention to address the underlying conflicts and humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
