Rwanda-Backed Rebels Capture Masisi, Escalating DR Congo Conflict
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized the town of Masisi in DR Congo’s North Kivu province, marking their second capture in two days. The M23 has expanded its control in the region since 2021, leading to a massive humanitarian crisis. Mediation efforts between DR Congo and Rwanda have stalled, highlighting the ongoing conflict’s complexities and controversial exploitation of minerals.
Rebel forces affiliated with Rwanda have taken control of the town of Masisi in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), as reported by various news outlets. The M23 group has captured two towns in just two days within the mineral-rich North Kivu province, further establishing their dominance in the region. Since 2021, the M23 has significantly expanded its territorial control, displacing hundreds of thousands of Congolese citizens from their homes.
Efforts by Angola to mediate discussions between DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have faltered, as these talks collapsed last month. Alexis Bahunga, a member of the North Kivu provincial assembly, expressed deep concern over the latest takeover, indicating that it exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation in the region. He has urged the Congolese government to bolster military support in response to the escalating crisis.
Residents reported that the M23 convened a meeting in the town, claiming they had arrived to “liberate the country.” With a population of approximately 40,000, Masisi serves as the capital of the territory of the same name and is located about 80 kilometers north of Goma, another strategic area previously occupied by the M23 in 2012. Following the seizure of Masisi, the M23 also captured the nearby town of Katale.
Although there were initial fears that the M23 would advance towards Goma, fighting stagnated until hostilities resumed in December. Rwanda has admitted to deploying an estimated 4,000 troops alongside the M23, alleging that the Congolese government is failing to address the long-standing conflicts affecting eastern DR Congo. Critics contend that Rwanda exploits the M23’s operations to siphon off valuable mineral resources such as gold, cobalt, and tantalum from the region.
Recently, DR Congo initiated legal action against Apple regarding the sourcing of so-called “blood minerals,” which led Apple to announce a cessation of supplies from the country. This ongoing conflict underscores the complexities of regional politics and resource exploitation that continue to impede stability in eastern DR Congo.
The conflict in eastern DR Congo involves multiple armed groups with regional implications, particularly involving neighboring Rwanda. The M23 group, formed as a splinter from another rebel faction, was originally created to protect the Tutsi community, which has faced discrimination in the region. However, allegations persist that Rwanda utilizes the M23 to exploit valuable mineral resources in DR Congo, thus exacerbating local humanitarian crises. The recent seizure of towns highlights the precarious security situation as international efforts to mediate the conflict have repeatedly failed.
The M23’s recent capture of Masisi and Katale signifies a troubling escalation in the conflict in eastern DR Congo, with humanitarian repercussions for local populations. The involvement of Rwandan forces and the international community’s stalled mediation efforts emphasize the complexities of regional stability. This situation also draws attention to Rwanda’s contentious history and the ongoing exploitation of minerals in the region, factors that contribute to the persistent unrest in eastern DR Congo.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
