| Photo: UNIFIL/Pasqual Gorriz |
The United Nations (UN) has raised fresh concerns about the worsening security crisis in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This follows reports that M23 rebels have captured towns and expanded their control in North Kivu province.
Local officials have confirmed that the M23 rebels recently took control of Minova, a strategic town that serves as a critical supply route to Goma, the provincial capital. The DRC army has reported heavy fighting across multiple fronts as they confront the rebels.
The Tutsi-led M23 group, which reignited its rebellion in 2022, has continued its offensive in the eastern regions. According to the UN, several towns in the area have fallen to the group in recent days, with the peacekeeping mission MONUSCO reporting intense battles involving the M23, the DRC army, and other armed factions, particularly in the Sake region.
The ongoing violence has caused significant casualties and displaced approximately 250,000 people in South Kivu. This area has faced increased instability since the UN peacekeeping mission began its phased withdrawal from the region last year.
MONUSCO has called on the M23 rebels to honor the ceasefire agreed upon on August 4, 2024, and to disarm. The mission has also urged all parties involved to remain committed to the Luanda Process, an initiative aimed at easing tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.
