Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured the strategic eastern town of Minova in the Democratic Republic of Congo, sources confirmed. This marks a significant advance for the rebels, bringing them within 40 kilometers (25 miles) of the provincial capital, Goma, near the Rwandan border.
The capture of Minova follows the M23’s recent takeover of Masisi, where Congolese military forces have since launched a counteroffensive. Intense fighting between the rebels and government forces has been ongoing in the mineral-rich region, displacing over 200,000 people.
Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23, told Reuters that “Minova is in our hands,” a claim that was also confirmed by the provincial governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi. A BBC contact in Goma also verified the town’s capture.
The violence has led to a surge in casualties, with the International Committee of the Red Cross in North Kivu reporting a significant increase in hospital admissions. Myriam Favier, the organization’s head, said they treated 211 patients from January 1 to 20, up from 100 between December 1 and 21.
Since 2021, M23 rebels have periodically taken control of large areas of eastern DR Congo, causing widespread displacement. Last year, there were fears the group would target Goma, a city of one to two million people. Although fighting slowed in late July, clashes reignited in October and escalated by the end of the year.
Amnesty International warned of a sharp increase in attacks on civilians by both sides over the past month, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
The M23 is frequently accused by DR Congo and the UN of being a proxy force for Rwanda, a claim Rwanda denies. However, Rwanda did not dispute a UN report last year confirming that around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers were fighting alongside the rebels.
Despite numerous failed diplomatic efforts, talks between Rwanda and DR Congo’s leaders were set for December 15 but were canceled due to unresolved differences.
