M23 Rebels Capture Masisi, Escalating Crisis in Eastern DRC

M23 rebels seized the eastern DRC town of Masisi on January 4, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the area. The group, backed by Rwanda, has gained significant territory since 2021. Local authorities express profound concern over civilian casualties and the deterioration of security. Failed peace talks between DRC and Rwanda exacerbate the situation.

On January 4, 2023, the Rwanda-backed March 23 Movement (M23) took control of Masisi, a strategically significant town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This militant group, supported by the Rwandan military, has made substantial territorial gains in the region since 2021, leading to widespread displacement and exacerbating an already critical humanitarian crisis. Negotiations involving Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of the DRC and Paul Kagame of Rwanda, mediated by Angola, were unexpectedly canceled in mid-December due to persistent disagreements over a potential peace agreement.

Local authorities expressed alarm at the seizure of Masisi. Alexis Bahunga, the deputy of North Kivu province, noted with concern, “The capture of the Masisi center by the M23 plunges the territory into a serious humanitarian crisis.” He urged the DRC government to adopt comprehensive strategies to enhance the capacity of the Congolese army (FARDC). Residents reported that the situation in Masisi became tense as fighting intensified prior to the M23’s takeover. Reports indicated civilian injuries, though no fatalities were confirmed at the time.

Witnesses described the chaos, with locals fleeing to hospitals and makeshift shelters to escape the violence. One local resident recounted the M23’s declaration of their intentions during a meeting at a parish, stating, “They had come to liberate the country.” The capture of Masisi appears to mark a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict that has plagued the DRC for decades, driven by both local and foreign militias as well as issues stemming from the region’s rich mineral resources.

The ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is rooted in a complex interplay of historical grievances, local and foreign armed groups, and the region’s abundant mineral wealth. Since the 1990s, the east of the DRC has witnessed continuous violence, with various militias, including the M23, vying for control. The M23’s resurgence, backed by Rwanda, has raised alarms over a worsening humanitarian crisis, prompting international concern and stalled peace efforts, as evidenced by recent failed negotiations between DRC and Rwandan leaders.

In conclusion, the recent capture of Masisi by M23 rebels underscores the precarious security situation in eastern DRC, exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian crisis. The actions of armed groups, particularly those backed by foreign nations, continue to destabilize the region, resulting in significant civilian suffering. The failure of peace negotiations highlights the urgent need for comprehensive and effective strategies to restore order and protect the local populace.

Original Source: www.lemonde.fr