M23 Rebels Capture Key Town of Minova in Eastern DR Congo

M23 rebels seized Minova, a crucial supply route to Goma, causing a mass displacement of residents. The provincial governor confirmed several towns have been overtaken, amid ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. Allegations of Rwandan support for M23 continue to be a subject of concern in this humanitarian crisis affecting millions.

M23 rebels have recently captured the town of Minova in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, a vital supply route connecting to the provincial capital, Goma. This incursion has prompted an exodus of residents as the rebel group launches new offensives, significantly impacting the region. The provincial governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi, confirmed the loss of Minova along with the mining towns of Lumbishi, Numbi, Shanje, and Bweremana, as the conflict escalates.

The M23 group, comprised predominantly of ethnic Tutsis, emerged from the Congolese army over a decade ago and gained notoriety after seizing Goma in 2012. The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, characterized by the presence of numerous armed factions vying for control, has contributed to a dire humanitarian crisis, with over 7 million people displaced. Allegations persist regarding the involvement of neighboring Rwanda in supporting the M23 rebels, which Rwanda has consistently denied.

The capture of Minova only highlights the deteriorating security situation in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where M23 rebels continue to gain territory. As the conflict intensifies, the human cost remains staggering, with hundreds of thousands displaced in 2023 alone. International scrutiny regarding Rwanda’s influence on the rebels adds another layer of complexity to this volatile issue.

Original Source: www.voanews.com