M23 rebels have captured the crucial town of Masisi in eastern DRC, raising concerns over a humanitarian crisis. The town, home to 40,000 residents and rich in resources, is now under rebel control, further complicating an already tense situation. Local officials are urging government action to strengthen army capabilities in response to this escalating conflict.
On Saturday, the M23 rebels seized control of the strategic town of Masisi in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as reported by local officials from North Kivu province. This acquisition marks a significant escalation in the conflict that has persisted since 2021, prompting fears of a worsening humanitarian crisis in the region. Alexis Bahunga, the deputy of North Kivu, expressed grave concerns regarding the situation, urging the government to reinforce the capabilities of the Congolese army amidst this turmoil.
Masisi, with a population nearing 40,000, serves as the administrative center of the Masisi territory, which is noted for its agricultural and mineral resources. The town is located approximately 80 kilometers north of Goma, North Kivu’s provincial capital. The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have swiftly expanded their territorial control, displacing thousands in the process. The ongoing conflict was further aggravated when peace negotiations mediated by Angola between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame were abruptly halted due to unresolved disagreements.
The capture of Masisi has prompted warnings of a potential humanitarian crisis as many locals may be forced to flee. Alexis Bahunga characterized the event with a sense of urgency, stating, “The capture of the town plunges the territory into a serious humanitarian crisis… we ask the government to consider holistic measures aimed at strengthening the logical and operational capacity of the FARDC (Congolese army).” This precarious situation necessitates immediate attention to avert further destabilization in the region.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has deep historical roots, with numerous militia groups vying for control over rich natural resources and territorial dominance. The M23 rebels, a group that formed in 2012 and re-emerged in 2021, have been supported by Rwanda, heightening tensions between the two nations. Efforts for peace, such as negotiations between DRC and Rwandan leadership, have often stalled, exacerbating the plight of local populations and inflating humanitarian concerns. Masisi, a town of strategic importance due to its agricultural and mineral wealth, has now found itself at the center of this complex conflict, as rebel forces continue to impose their influence over the territory, threatening stability and the welfare of thousands of residents.
In summary, the capture of Masisi by M23 rebels represents a significant and troubling development in the ongoing conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The town’s strategic importance, combined with its potential role in contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis, underscores the urgent need for a concerted response from both national and international actors. Reinforcement of the Congolese army’s capabilities appears critical to restoring order and safeguarding the rights and safety of the affected populations.
Original Source: www.france24.com
