M23 Rebels Capture Key Towns in Eastern Congo, Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

M23 Rebels Capture Key Towns in Eastern Congo, Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

M23 Rebels Capture Key Towns in Eastern Congo, Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

Rebels from the M23 group have seized two crucial towns in eastern Congo, exacerbating the already dire security and humanitarian crisis in the region, according to civil society organizations and local officials. Over the past week, the M23 captured Katale and Masisi, with Masisi located 80 kilometers (49 miles) west of Goma, a strategic city that serves as an entry point into the country’s interior.

The M23 is one of over 100 armed groups vying for control in mineral-rich eastern Congo, particularly near the border with Rwanda. This ongoing conflict has resulted in one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, with more than 7 million people displaced.

M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka confirmed the capture of Masisi on social media, asserting the group’s commitment to protecting civilians. However, Alexis Bahunga, deputy for the Masisi territory, verified that the town was indeed under M23 control, describing the situation as catastrophic. “The humanitarian situation is so catastrophic,” he told The Associated Press. “People are scattered in all corners of the territory, in camps.”

While the Congolese army spokesperson, Col. Djike Kaiko, said he was still confirming the details of the rebel advance, civil society leaders have condemned the government’s response. John Banyene, president of the Forces Vives du Nord-Kivu civil society group, criticized the government’s “lethargy” in the face of the M23’s progression, stressing that the government’s actions were insufficient as territory continued to be lost.

Residents in villages near the conflict zone, such as Bernard Kanyama from Bweremana, reported dire conditions. “We saw even yesterday two people who died when the rebels fired a bomb in Bweremana and several wounded, so we are very worried,” Kanyama said.

Congo and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, though Rwanda denies the claim. However, in February, Rwanda acknowledged that it had troops and missile systems deployed in eastern Congo to protect its security, citing a buildup of Congolese forces near the border. U.N. experts estimate that up to 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are operating in Congo.

A ceasefire was signed between Congo and the M23 in July, taking effect in August. Despite this agreement, fighting has resumed, prompting the United States to express “grave concern” over repeated ceasefire violations by the M23 rebels. The situation in eastern Congo continues to worsen, with civilians bearing the brunt of the escalating violence.

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