Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of Minova, coming within 40km of Goma, contributing to a humanitarian crisis as 200,000 people are displaced. Recent talks between DRC and Rwanda leaders were canceled amid tensions. The region has witnessed significant fighting, with intense civilian impacts and rising accusations of Rwandan involvement aiding the rebels.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured the eastern town of Minova, positioning themselves just 40 kilometers from the provincial capital, Goma, which is critical due to its proximity to the Rwandan border. This seizure follows the recent capture of Masisi by the M23, prompting the Congolese army to initiate a counteroffensive to reclaim lost territories. The ongoing conflict has led to the displacement of over 200,000 individuals in this mineral-rich region, deepening the humanitarian crisis.
Corneille Nangaa, the head of the Congo River Alliance comprising the M23, declared, “Minova is in our hands.” This announcement was corroborated by provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi, as well as local sources in Goma. Consequently, hospitals in the provincial capital are experiencing an influx of casualties from the fighting, with the International Committee of the Red Cross reporting significant patient numbers in recent weeks.
Since 2021, the M23 has intermittently engaged in hostilities, capturing extensive areas in eastern DRC, resulting in mass civilian evacuations. Although there was a brief respite in fighting in July, clashes intensified again in October and escalated towards the end of the year. Recently, Amnesty International reported a troubling rise in attacks on civilian areas carried out by both the rebels and government forces, leading to dire consequences for local populations.
The United Nations and the DRC government often accuse the M23 of operating as a proxy for Rwanda, a claim that the Rwandan government refutes. Notably, a UN report from the previous year confirmed the presence of approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers fighting alongside the M23. Diplomatic efforts led by neighboring countries to mediate the violence have largely proven ineffective, with recent talks between DRC and Rwandan leaders being abruptly canceled due to disagreements.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo primarily revolves around the activities of the M23 rebel group, which has been accused of receiving support from Rwanda. The region is rich in minerals, which has intensified both the local and international stakes in the conflict. Since the M23’s resurgence in 2021, the humanitarian situation has deteriorated, with extensive civilian displacement and a heavy toll on infrastructure and health services due to ongoing violence. Diplomatic initiatives to resolve the crisis have often faltered, revealing the complexity and deep-rooted nature of the conflict.
The capture of Minova by M23 rebels highlights the continuing instability in eastern DRC, which poses significant risks to the civilian population and regional security. As the rebels gain ground near Goma, the humanitarian toll is exacerbated by intensified warfare and the influx of wounded individuals into overwhelmed medical facilities. Ongoing accusations against Rwanda for its involvement with the M23 compound the challenges facing any potential resolution to this protracted conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
