The M23 rebels are advancing in the DRC, having captured key cities. The government faces defections from allied groups and has offered a $5 million reward for capturing M23 leaders. Significant humanitarian issues arise as fighting escalates, leading to numerous civilian casualties and displacements.
The M23 rebel faction has intensified its advance within the mineral-rich regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recently seizing the pivotal cities of Goma and Bukavu, the capitals of North and South Kivu provinces. Security reports indicate that these Rwanda-backed rebels have entered Nyabwindo village, which is strategically situated approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma and provides access to the important town of Walikale in North Kivu.
Alain Uaykani of Al Jazeera acknowledges Walikale’s significance, noting, “Walikale is very important for the government as it is the only place where the government has the industrial mine from which they are getting millions of tax payments.” However, the DRC government’s forces are currently experiencing internal challenges, including defections from allied groups such as the Group Kabido, which recently announced its collaboration with M23 fighters citing dissatisfaction with the Kinshasa government.
Uaykani remarked, “This is showing the disorganisation within the DRC army, and the M23 is taking advantage of this situation on the ground,” indicating that similar defections could soon follow. Concurrently, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported increasing violence leading to extensive displacement and destruction of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, within the conflict zones.
Recent reports from OCHA highlighted that between March 1 and 3, various hospitals were targeted by armed personnel, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. OCHA further reported the displacement of over 100,000 individuals in Lubero due to recent fighting, and at least four civilian casualties in the Masisi district between February 18 and 25.
In response to the escalating crisis, DRC authorities have announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of M23 leaders, including Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Sultani Makenga. These individuals were convicted in absentia and sentenced to death in August 2024 for their roles in the ongoing conflict. Moreover, a separate $4 million reward is offered for information on their accomplices still at large.
The violence in eastern DRC has resulted in over 7,000 fatalities since January, notably including a significant number of civilians. The M23, which is one of over 200 armed groups vying for control in this resource-rich region, resurfaced in 2021 after a decade of dormancy and has swiftly taken large territories in North Kivu adjacent to Rwanda. Recent accusations suggest Rwandan support for M23, a claim that Rwanda officially denies.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo highlights significant challenges for the government, including internal defections among its allied forces and escalating violence against civilians. The M23 rebels have gained crucial territory, prompting authorities to offer substantial rewards for the capture of key rebel leaders to curb their advance. As humanitarian concerns grow, the situation remains critical with thousands displaced and numerous casualties reported.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
