GOMA, Congo — The M23 rebel group has claimed control of two significant towns in eastern Congo, escalating an already critical security and humanitarian crisis in the region. This development was reported on Monday by local politicians and civil society organizations. In just the past week, the rebels have taken over Katale and Masisi, with Masisi being located around 80 kilometers (49 miles) from Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and serving as a vital access point to the interior of the country.
The M23 is among numerous armed factions in eastern Congo—over 100 in total—that are competing for control over the area’s valuable mineral resources. This ongoing conflict has contributed to one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world, resulting in more than 7 million individuals being displaced from their homes.
In a statement via the social media platform X, Lawrence Kanyuka, the political spokesperson for M23, confirmed the group’s takeover of Masisi and emphasized their promise to protect civilians in the region. Meanwhile, local officials like Alexis Bahunga, the deputy for Masisi territory, verified that the town is now under the control of the M23 forces. “The humanitarian situation is so catastrophic,” Bahunga remarked during a phone interview. “People are scattered in all corners of the territory, in camps,” he added, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
In response to these developments, Colonel Djike Kaiko, a spokesperson for the Congolese army, mentioned that he was in the process of verifying the current situation regarding M23’s advances. The political climate is increasingly tense, with community leaders such as John Banyene, president of the civil society organization Forces Vives du Nord-Kivu, criticizing the government for what he described as a “lethargy” in addressing the growing rebel threat. “It is inconceivable that the government continues to act in this way at a time when we are losing space,” he stated, reflecting widespread frustration among citizens.
Residents like Bernard Kanyama from the nearby village of Bweremana shared troubling accounts of the violence, reporting that they witnessed individuals fleeing the area. “We saw even yesterday two people who died when the rebels fired a bomb in Bweremana, and several were wounded, so we are very worried,” he expressed. The local sentiment highlights a pervasive fear among civilians as the conflict intensifies.
The Congolese government, along with the United Nations, has accused Rwanda of providing support to the M23 group. Although the Rwandan government denies these allegations, it disclosed in February that it maintains troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to ensure its national security, citing a significant build-up of Congolese forces near its border. United Nations experts estimate that approximately 4,000 Rwandan personnel are currently operating within Congo’s boundaries.
Earlier this year, a ceasefire agreement was signed between the Congolese government and the M23, which came into effect in August. However, recent skirmishes have erupted again, prompting the United States to express grave concerns regarding the violations of the ceasefire by M23 militants. The situation remains precarious as tensions continue to escalate.
