In a dramatic escalation of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured the strategic town of Masisi in North Kivu province, marking their second territorial gain in just two days. This development plunges the region deeper into a humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands displaced since the M23’s resurgence in 2021.
Alexis Bahunga, a member of the North Kivu provincial assembly, expressed his dismay to AFP, stating, “It is with dismay that we learn of the capture of Masisi center by the M23.” He emphasized the urgent need for the government to bolster its military presence to address this growing crisis. Meanwhile, a local resident reported to AFP that the rebels claimed they were there to “liberate the country” during a town meeting, indicating a complex local perception of the group’s intentions.
The capture of Masisi, a town of about 40,000 people located 80km north of Goma, follows the recent takeover of Katale, intensifying fears of a potential advance towards Goma, reminiscent of the 2012 occupation. Despite a brief lull in hostilities, fighting reignited in early December, underscoring the volatile nature of the region.
Diplomatic efforts to mediate between DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, led by Angola, have faltered, with talks breaking down last month. This political deadlock adds another layer of complexity to the conflict.
The situation in Masisi was reported to be calm on Sunday, but the human cost of the recent clashes remains unclear, with no immediate reports on casualties from the Congolese authorities.
In a related development, tensions over resource exploitation have flared, with critics accusing Rwanda of using M23 to plunder minerals like gold, cobalt, and tantalum from eastern DR Congo. These minerals are crucial for technology products, including smartphones and electric vehicle batteries. The controversy reached a new peak last month when DR Congo initiated legal action against Apple for allegedly using “blood minerals” from the conflict zone, leading Apple to sever supply lines from both DR Congo and Rwanda.
Despite these accusations, Rwanda has denied facilitating the export of illegal minerals from DR Congo, maintaining its stance that its involvement is to protect the Tutsi community from historical persecution, a narrative complicated by a UN report in July that suggested around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers were aiding M23 fighters.
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