Rwanda-supported M23 rebels have captured Masisi in DR Congo’s North Kivu. This marks their second town seizure, raising concerns about a humanitarian crisis. The group controls significant areas, displacing thousands since 2021. Efforts for peace talks have failed, and there are rising fears of further territorial advances towards key locations such as Goma.
Rwandan-backed rebel forces have seized control of the town of Masisi in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as reported by several sources. This marks the second town captured by the M23 group in just two days within the resource-rich North Kivu province. Since 2021, the M23 has expanded its territorial control over large areas of eastern DR Congo, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents. Attempts by Angola to mediate discussions between Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame collapsed last month.
According to North Kivu provincial assembly member Alexis Bahunga, the recent capture of Masisi signifies a significant humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the need for a strengthened military presence in the area. A local resident reported that the M23 convened a meeting with the town’s residents, proclaiming their intention to ‘liberate the country.’ As of now, the Congolese government has not publicly addressed this territorial loss.
The town of Masisi, which is home to approximately 40,000 people, serves as the capital of its territory and lies around 80 kilometers north of Goma, the capital of North Kivu. The M23 had a brief occupation of Goma in 2012. The group captured the nearby town of Katale last Friday, raising concerns about a potential renewed advance towards Goma, a city housing around two million inhabitants.
Last year, apprehensions mounted regarding another M23 assault on Goma. Nonetheless, fighting subsided until it resumed early December. Reports from July indicated that Rwanda had approximately 4,000 soldiers supporting the M23 in DR Congo, prompting Rwanda to criticize the Congolese government for its inadequate response to longstanding conflicts in the eastern region. Critics of Rwanda contend that it exploits the M23 to extract valuable minerals such as gold and cobalt from the area, used in global technology products.
Recently, DR Congo initiated legal action against Apple for utilizing so-called ‘blood minerals,’ leading the tech giant to announce it has ceased its procurement from the nation. Anti-mineral exploitation discussions continue amid the ongoing conflict in the region.
The article discusses the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo, focusing on the M23 rebel group, which has expanded its territory since its formation in 2012. The group initially emerged as a protector of the Tutsi population, experiencing a resurgence in violence in recent years. This situation has drawn in external actors, including Rwanda, which has been accused of backing these rebels for territorial gain and resource extraction. The humanitarian implications of such conflicts have also become increasingly severe, compelling extensive regional and international reactions and attempts at mediation.
In conclusion, the seizure of Masisi by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels has intensified the instability in eastern DR Congo, leading to significant humanitarian crises and raising alarms about mineral exploitation in the area. Ongoing diplomatic efforts have so far proven ineffective, leaving the region vulnerable to further conflict. The international community’s vigilance is imperative to address both the humanitarian and legal aspects of this complex crisis.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
