GOMA, Congo (AP) — Rebel forces belonging to the M23 group have successfully captured two strategic towns in eastern Congo, further escalating the security and humanitarian crisis in the region, according to reports from civil society and local officials on Monday.
The recent advances by the M23 rebels saw the taking of Katale and Masisi towns, with Masisi located 80 kilometers (49 miles) west of Goma, the regional capital, serving as a crucial entry point to the country’s interior.
Operating within a landscape already fragmented by over 100 armed groups competing for control of the resource-rich eastern Congo near the Rwandan border, the M23’s activities have significantly contributed to one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises, displacing more than 7 million people.
On social media platform X, M23 political spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka claimed credit for the capture of Masisi, emphasizing the group’s commitment to protecting civilians amidst the ongoing conflict.
Deputy Alexis Bahunga, representing the Masisi territory, confirmed the town’s fall under M23 control, while highlighting the dire humanitarian conditions on the ground. Bahunga described a catastrophic situation where people were scattered across the territory, seeking refuge in makeshift camps.
When reached for comment, Congolese army spokesman Col. Djike Kaiko stated that he was in the process of verifying the reports regarding the rebel incursion.
Civil society leader John Banyene of the Forces Vives du Nord-Kivu condemned the government’s perceived inaction in response to the rebel incursions, expressing disbelief at the authorities’ failure to address the escalating crisis.
Bernard Kanyama, a resident of Bweremana village near Masisi, recounted scenes of chaos and violence as people fled the area following the rebel takeover. Kanyama reported casualties and injuries resulting from the rebel activities, underscoring the heightened sense of fear and uncertainty among the local population.
Accusations of Rwandan involvement with the M23 rebels have persisted, with both Congo and the United Nations pointing fingers at Rwanda for backing the insurgent group. Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, though it acknowledged the presence of troops and military equipment in eastern Congo aimed at safeguarding its own security interests.
U.N. experts estimate that up to 4,000 Rwandan forces are currently operating in Congo, further complicating the volatile situation in the region.
Despite a ceasefire agreement signed between Congo and the M23 in July and implemented in August, recent clashes have reignited hostilities, prompting the United States to express serious concerns over ceasefire violations by the M23 rebels.
The ongoing conflict in eastern Congo remains a critical concern, with the M23’s territorial gains exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation and raising alarm over the region’s stability and security.
