The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, seized the town of Masisi in eastern DRC on January 4, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. This takeover follows the failure of peace talks between the DRC and Rwanda, which were canceled due to disagreements. Officials have raised concerns about civilian safety amid the ongoing violence and dislocation of residents.
On January 4, the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) took control of Masisi, a significant town in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since 2021, M23 has expanded its influence across eastern DRC, resulting in the displacement of numerous residents and exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Talks mediated by Angola between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame were abruptly terminated in December amid disputes concerning a proposed peace accord. \n\nAlexis Bahunga, Deputy of the North Kivu province, expressed profound concern over the implications of M23’s takeover, remarking, “The capture of the Masisi center by the M23 plunges the territory into a serious humanitarian crisis.” He urged the government to adopt comprehensive strategies to enhance the operational capabilities of the Congolese army. \n\nWitnesses reported that M23 militants convened at a local parish around 2:00 pm local time, claiming to have “come to liberate the country.” Although conditions in the town center appeared stable, many residents sought refuge in hospitals and parishes, fleeing from earlier gunfire, as stated by an unnamed medical source. “There were civilian injuries, but so far no deaths recorded at the hospital,” they confirmed. Clashes between M23 and the Congolese army ensued earlier that day in a nearby village, leading to the rebels eventually seizing Masisi. This escalation is part of a long history of violence in eastern DRC, reflecting conflicts involving local and foreign armed groups over the past three decades.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has been a battleground for armed groups for over thirty years, originating from the regional wars of the 1990s. The M23, initially formed to fight against the DRC government, receives backing from Rwanda, which has facilitated its military advances in the region. The humanitarian landscape has dramatically deteriorated as these conflicts have left thousands displaced and vulnerable, prompting urgent calls for international intervention and peace negotiations.
In summary, the recent capture of Masisi by M23 underscores the escalating humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, exacerbated by the ongoing conflicts fueled by external support and internal strife. The abrupt cancellation of peace talks between DRC and Rwanda highlights the complexities of the situation, necessitating immediate actions to protect civilians and restore stability. Government officials continue to stress the need for enhanced military capacity to address these insurgencies.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
