The M23 rebel group has intensified its advance in eastern Congo, capturing two crucial towns, Katale and Masisi, amid a deepening security and humanitarian crisis.
Civil society members and local politicians confirmed the takeover, underscoring the growing volatility in the mineral-rich region.
Masisi, situated approximately 80 kilometers west of Goma, the regional capital, serves as a strategic gateway to Congo’s interior.
The rebel group, among over 100 armed factions vying for control in the area, has triggered one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, displacing more than 7 million people.
M23 political spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka took to social media platform X to announce the group’s capture of Masisi, asserting their commitment to civilian protection.
However, Alexis Bahunga, deputy for Masisi territory, painted a grim picture of the situation. “The humanitarian situation is so catastrophic,” he said in a phone interview. “People are scattered in all corners of the territory, in camps.”
The Congolese army, still verifying the extent of the rebels’ control, has faced criticism for its sluggish response.
John Banyene, president of the civil society group Forces Vives du Nord-Kivu, expressed frustration at the government’s inaction. “It is inconceivable that the government continues to act in this way at a time when we are losing space,” he said.
Residents of nearby villages like Bweremana are already feeling the impact of the violence. Bernard Kanyama, a local, described the scene as people fled, fearing for their lives. “We saw even yesterday two people who died when the rebels fired a bomb in Bweremana and several wounded, so we are very worried,” he recounted.
The resurgence of M23 has reignited regional tensions, with Congo and the United Nations accusing Rwanda of backing the rebels. Although Rwanda denies direct involvement, it acknowledged in February that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo, citing security concerns over the buildup of Congolese forces near the border.
U.N. experts estimate the presence of up to 4,000 Rwandan troops in Congo, further complicating the conflict. The ceasefire agreement signed between Congo and M23 in July, which came into effect in August 2024, has done little to quell the violence.
The United States has voiced its concerns, stating it is “gravely concerned” by the ceasefire violations committed by M23.
The March 23 Movement, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, emerged from a 2012 mutiny within the Congolese army. The group claims to protect their community against Hutu factions and address governance issues related to corruption and lack of services.
However, M23 has been implicated in severe human rights abuses, including summary executions and forced recruitment of civilians, exacerbating civilian displacement and suffering.
Humanitarian Crisis and Call for International Action
The renewed violence has worsened an already dire humanitarian situation. Nearly 200,000 people have been forced to flee their homes due to M23’s resurgence. The group’s control over resource-rich areas raises concerns about economic exploitation amid ongoing instability.
The conflict’s complexity is deepened by accusations of Rwandan support for M23, straining relations between Kinshasa and Kigali, and raising fears of broader regional implications.
As the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, the need for international intervention and sustainable peace efforts becomes increasingly urgent.
The plight of millions affected by violence and economic disruption underscores the pressing need for a coordinated response to restore stability and address the root causes of the conflict in eastern Congo.
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