Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured Minova in eastern DR Congo, bringing them within 40 kilometers of Goma. This follows the fall of Masisi, contributing to over 200,000 displaced individuals amid ongoing fighting. Reports indicate significant civilian injuries and a surge in hospital admissions. Despite accusations of being a proxy force for Rwanda, diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have repeatedly faltered.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s eastern town of Minova has been captured by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, advancing their control further into the region. This development occurs just two weeks following their takeover of Masisi, placing the rebels within a mere 40 kilometers of the crucial provincial capital, Goma. The ongoing conflict between the rebels and government forces has resulted in significant displacement, with over 200,000 individuals forced from their homes as clashes continue in this mineral-rich area.
According to Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance which includes the M23, “Minova is in our hands,” corroborated by provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi and local sources indicating the town’s fall to the rebels. The fighting has also caused numerous injuries, with hospitals in Goma experiencing an influx of patients, as reported by Myriam Favier of the International Committee of the Red Cross in North Kivu province.
The M23 has been intermittently engaged in combat since 2021, capturing substantial territories in eastern Congo, leading to fears of an impending assault on Goma, a city with a population ranging from one to two million. Following a temporary lull in hostilities in July, fighting escalated again in October and intensified toward the end of the year. Recent reports from Amnesty International highlight a marked increase in assaults on civilians by warring factions over the past month, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
While the M23 is frequently accused of acting as Rwanda’s proxy force—claims which Rwanda disputes—evidence suggests that Rwandan soldiers have been involved in the conflict, with a UN report last year confirming approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops engaged with the M23. Diplomatic efforts from neighboring countries to resolve the conflict have yet to yield results, with the latest talks scheduled for mid-December unexpectedly canceled due to diplomatic rifts between the leaders of Rwanda and DR Congo.
The long-standing conflict in eastern DR Congo, particularly surrounding the M23 rebel group, has roots in regional dynamics involving Rwanda. The M23 emerged from a previous conflict involving armed groups in the region, with accusations of external backing from Rwanda complicating matters. The region is rich in natural resources, which perpetuates the cycle of violence and displacement. Over the years, various ceasefire agreements and diplomatic discussions have failed to bring lasting peace, resulting in a humanitarian crisis marked by thousands of displaced individuals and increased civilian casualties.
The recent capture of Minova by M23 rebels underscores the ongoing volatility in eastern DR Congo, which poses significant risks not only to local populations but also to regional stability. With the rebels advancing closer to Goma and recent escalations in violence against civilians, the humanitarian situation is dire. The failure of diplomatic efforts and the complicity of regional players perpetuate this crisis, emphasizing the urgent need for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
