Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seized the town of Masisi in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on January 4, 2023. The militia has been expanding its control since 2021, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. Local authorities demand enhanced military capacity in response to the turmoil, while the region’s history of armed conflict persists, tracing back to the 1990s.
On January 4, 2023, the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels claimed control of Masisi, a significant town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This militia has made substantial territorial gains in the region since 2021, causing extensive displacement and a looming humanitarian crisis. Talks mediated by Angola between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame were abruptly halted in December due to disagreements over a proposed peace agreement.
Alexis Bahunga, the deputy of North Kivu province, expressed his concern about the repercussions of the M23’s capture of Masisi, stating that this event exacerbates the humanitarian situation in the territory. He emphasized the need for the Congolese government to implement comprehensive strategies to enhance the effectiveness of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).
Local resident Dieudonne Mirimo Mahibdule reported that the M23 asserted their presence with declarations of “liberation.” While the situation in central Masisi appeared calm, there were reports of civilian injuries, with some residents seeking refuge in local hospitals due to gunfire. An unidentified medical source indicated that although there were civilian injuries, no fatalities had been reported at that time.
Fighting between the M23 and Congolese forces had intensified earlier in the day near a nearby village, allowing the rebels to secure Masisi later in the afternoon. The capture of the Katale area had paved the way for the M23’s advance. The DRC’s eastern regions have long endured violence from both local and foreign armed groups, a struggle rooted in conflicts stemming from the regional wars of the 1990s.
The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has historically faced ongoing violence due to a mix of internal strife and external interference. The M23, which emerged more prominently in the past two years, is seen as supported by Rwanda, further complicating the already tense relationship between the DRC and its neighbor. Humanitarian crises have proliferated as armed conflicts displace populations and disrupt essential services, with local and international efforts for peace frequently stalling amid differences between involved parties.
The recent capture of Masisi by the M23, with the backing of Rwandan forces, has intensified an already critical humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC. As local officials call for increased capacity and support for the Congolese military, the situation remains fragile, underscoring the need for renewed dialogue and effective peace strategies to address the complexities of the ongoing conflict in the region.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
