M23 Rebels Advance in DRC as Government Offers $5 Million Reward for Capture
The M23 rebels have made territorial gains in the DRC, capturing key cities and advancing toward Walikale. The DRC government faces defections among allied forces and has offered $5 million for the capture of rebel leaders. The humanitarian situation worsens, with escalating violence and significant civilian casualties.
The M23 rebel group has made significant territorial gains in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after capturing the cities of Goma and Bukavu, critical hubs in the mineral-rich regions of North and South Kivu. Recent reports indicate that the rebels have advanced to Nyabwindo village, strategically located on the route to Walikale, a town deemed essential by the Congolese government due to its industrial mining operations that generate substantial tax revenue.
Amidst these developments, the DRC government has faced defections within its allied forces, notably with the Group Kabido, a longstanding armed faction in the region, announcing its alignment with the M23. This merger highlights the internal disarray within the DRC army, as enemy forces capitalize on the prevailing instability.
Additionally, humanitarian concerns have escalated, as the United Nations reports increased assaults on hospitals and civilian infrastructures, resulting in significant population displacement. In the recent conflict witnessed in February, at least four civilians lost their lives in Masisi district, while over 100,000 individuals were newly displaced in the northern Lubero area.
In response to the advancing threat of the M23, the DRC government has offered a reward of $5 million for information leading to the capture of M23 leaders — Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Sultani Makenga. All three have been convicted in absentia and are regarded as key figures within the rebel group’s hierarchy.
In addition to the bounty for the rebel leaders, there is also an offer of $4 million for information about their accomplices. Since the beginning of the year, more than 7,000 people have been killed in related violence, revealing the dire humanitarian crisis emerging from the ongoing conflict. The M23’s resurgence since 2021 signals a troubling shift as they expand their territorial holds once more, prompting accusations against Rwanda for providing support — allegations that the Rwandan government categorically denies.
In summary, the M23 rebels have intensified their offensive in Eastern DRC, establishing control over crucial cities and exploiting government vulnerabilities. The DRC authorities, in a bid to reclaim stability, have offered significant monetary rewards for the capture of rebel leaders. Meanwhile, humanitarian crises continue to unfold, emphasizing the urgent need for international attention and intervention in the region. As the conflict unfolds, the international community must scrutinize the involvement of external actors, particularly Rwanda, while supporting efforts for peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
