M23 Rebels Advance in DRC as Government Offers $5 Million Reward for Leaders

M23 rebels are advancing in the DRC, having captured major cities like Goma and Bukavu. The DRC government has offered a $5 million reward for the capture of key rebel leaders amid rising violence displacing numerous civilians. The situation is exacerbated by defections from allied forces and the involvement of multiple armed groups competing for control of the region’s resources.

The M23 armed group has intensified its advance into the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), recently seizing key cities like Goma and Bukavu. Security reports indicate that the Rwanda-supported rebels have reached Nyabwindo village, located approximately 100 kilometers north of Goma, which is critical for accessing the strategic town of Walikale in North Kivu. This advancement raises significant concerns about the security situation in the region.

Walikale holds vital importance for the DRC government since it hosts the sole industrial mine generating substantial tax revenue. Alain Uaykani, reporting from Goma, emphasized its economic significance, stating that the government’s control over this area is essential. Compounding the government forces’ challenges, the Group Kabido, an allied armed faction, has declared its alliance with M23, citing dissatisfaction with the Kinshasa government’s management as their reason for defecting.

The retreat of allied forces reflects a troubling disorganization within the DRC army, as noted by Uaykani, who reported that this situation is being exploited by the M23 rebels. In addition to these setbacks, escalating violence has forced many civilians to flee. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported severe attacks on hospitals and essential infrastructures, displacing numerous individuals and threatening civilian safety.

In response to the deteriorating security, DRC authorities announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of M23 leaders Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Sultani Makenga. The Ministry of Justice called for assistance in arresting these convicted individuals, all tied to the M23 group. Additionally, the government is offering a bounty of $4 million for information on their accomplices, indicating a serious commitment to rectifying the security crisis.

Since January, violent clashes have resulted in over 7,000 fatalities, predominantly affecting civilians. The M23 group, which has resurrected its operations after a decade of dormancy, now competes with over 200 armed groups in the resource-rich eastern DRC. Despite accusations from the United States and UN experts regarding Rwanda’s support for M23, officials in Kigali have denied these claims, complicating further diplomatic relations in the region.

The ongoing conflict in the DRC has escalated with the M23 rebels’ advance into strategic regions, supported by defections from government-aligned groups. The DRC government’s $5 million reward initiative highlights a desperate attempt to regain control. With mounting casualties and humanitarian crises, the situation remains dire, demanding a cohesive response to stabilize the region and protect its civilians.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com