RWANDA-BACKED REBELS MAKE GAINS IN EAST DRC

Masisi town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has fallen into the hands of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. This strategic location in the mineral-rich North Kivu province is the second town to be taken by the militant group in just two days, following their capture of the nearby town of Katale. The latest fighting erupted after peace talks mediated by Angola collapsed in mid-December 2024.

A UN experts’ report from June 2024 says that Rwanda has deployed around 3,000 to 4,000 troops to assist M23, enabling them to seize large areas in eastern Congo. M23 has been linked to the murder and displacement of civilians, leading to a humanitarian crisis in the Great Lakes region.

The ongoing resource war in the DRC, which has lasted for three decades, is one of the most significant and devastating conflicts in recent history. It involves over 120 militia groups, many of which are reportedly supported by foreign governments and interests. This conflict has resulted in approximately 6-million deaths, displaced more than 7-million people and led to numerous incidents of sexual violence. The DRC is estimated to have $24 trillion worth of untapped minerals, drawing the attention of powerful foreign actors eager to exploit its resources.Sources:https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9wlzg7xn0no

https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-10089/

https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n24/118/80/pdf/n2411880.pdf

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/29/eastern-drc-at-breaking-point-as-security-humanitarian-crises-worsen