The M23 rebel group is advancing in eastern DRC, recently capturing key cities and threatening the strategic town of Walikale. The DRC government has offered a $5 million reward for the arrest of M23 leaders, amidst increasing violence that has displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians. The situation raises serious humanitarian concerns as fighting continues.
The M23 rebel group is advancing in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as they seek to secure control over the strategic town of Walikale. Following recent successes in capturing Goma and Bukavu, the capitals of the North and South Kivu provinces, M23 rebels have entered Nyabwindo village, approximately 100 kilometers from Goma.
Walikale is of significant importance to the DRC government as it hosts an industrial mine generating substantial tax revenue. In a considerable blow to government troops, the Group Kabido, an allied armed group, has declared allegiance to the M23 faction, highlighting the disarray within the DRC army amid ongoing conflict. “This is showing the disorganisation within the DRC army, and the M23 is taking advantage of this situation on the ground,” remarked Al Jazeera’s Alain Uaykani.
The humanitarian situation is deteriorating as the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported increased violence leading to the targeting of hospitals and displacement of civilians. Reports indicate that atrocities occurred between February 18 to 25, with at least four civilian fatalities and over 100,000 people newly displaced in the region of Lubero.
In light of the turmoil, the DRC government has announced a reward of $5 million for information leading to the capture of key M23 leaders, including Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Sultani Makenga. Each of these individuals is linked to the M23 group and has been tried in absentia before being sentenced to death in August 2024. The government is also offering an additional $4 million bounty for information pertaining to accomplices.
With over 7,000 fatalities reported since January, including a significant number of civilians, the resurgence of the M23, which had been dormant for over ten years, poses a severe threat to stability in eastern Congo. Allegations that Rwanda is providing support to the M23 group continue to surface, although the government in Kigali refutes these claims.
The escalating conflict involving the M23 rebel group in the DRC poses significant challenges to national stability and security. The government’s offering of substantial rewards for capturing rebel leaders underscores the urgency of addressing the situation. Shortly after re-emerging in 2021, the M23 has gained territory, drawing international scrutiny over alleged foreign backing. As violence escalates, the humanitarian impact becomes increasingly dire, necessitating urgent intervention and support for affected civilians.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
