Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured Minova, a crucial trading town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), according to multiple sources. This development places the rebels within 40 kilometers (25 miles) of Goma, the provincial capital near the Rwandan border.
The fall of Minova comes just two weeks after the M23 seized Massissi, prompting a counteroffensive by Congolese forces. Fierce fighting has intensified in the mineral-rich region, displacing over 200,000 people in recent months.
Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23, told Reuters, “Minova is in our hands.” The provincial governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi, also confirmed the town’s capture, according to Reuters. A BBC contact in Goma corroborated the reports.
The conflict has overwhelmed local hospitals, with the Red Cross reporting a surge in injured civilians. “Between December 1 and 21, we treated 100 patients, and between January 1 and 20, this number rose to 211,” said Myriam Favier, head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in North Kivu province.
The M23, accused of acting as a proxy force for Rwanda, has periodically fought and controlled significant territories in eastern DR Congo since 2021. Kigali denies supporting the rebels, although a 2022 UN report alleged Rwanda had deployed 4,000 soldiers alongside the M23.
Last year, fears mounted that the rebels might advance on Goma, home to an estimated one to two million people. Although fighting subsided briefly in July, hostilities resumed in October and escalated toward year-end.
On Monday, Amnesty International reported a sharp increase in attacks on civilians by both sides, resulting in devastating humanitarian consequences. Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, including talks scheduled for December 15 between Rwanda and DR Congo’s leaders, have failed, with the most recent meeting canceled at the last minute.
Despite international pressure and regional efforts, peace remains elusive in the war-torn region, leaving civilians to bear the brunt of the violence.
PIERS Potter,
PIERS Potter, CNTLIVE LONDON.
