Rebel forces backed by Rwanda have captured the strategic town of Masisi in the mineral-rich North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). According to multiple reports, this marks the second major town seized by the M23 rebel group in just two days, further destabilizing the region.
A Growing Crisis in North Kivu
Since 2021, the M23 group has expanded its control over vast areas of eastern DR Congo, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis. Masisi, a town with a population of around 40,000, is the capital of the territory bearing the same name and is located 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of the provincial capital, Goma.
The M23’s advance follows the capture of Katale on Friday and revives fears of a potential push toward Goma, a city of about two million people. Goma was briefly occupied by the M23 in 2012 before international pressure forced the group to withdraw.
Humanitarian and Military Concerns
Local leaders have expressed alarm over the capture of Masisi. Alexis Bahunga, a member of the North Kivu provincial assembly, described the situation as a “serious humanitarian crisis” and called for the Congolese government to bolster its military presence in the region.
Residents reported that M23 fighters held a meeting with the town’s inhabitants, claiming their mission was to “liberate the country.” Meanwhile, Congolese authorities have yet to issue an official statement regarding the loss of Masisi.
Failed Mediation Efforts
Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis have so far yielded little progress. Angola attempted to mediate talks between DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, but negotiations broke down last month.
Rwanda, long accused of backing the M23, has faced international criticism for its alleged involvement in DR Congo’s ongoing conflict. In July, a UN report revealed that Rwanda had deployed approximately 4,000 soldiers to fight alongside the M23, a claim Kigali did not deny. Instead, Rwanda blamed DR Congo’s government for failing to address decades of unrest in the region.
The M23’s Controversial Origins and Objectives
The M23 rebel group emerged in 2012 as an offshoot of a previous militia, citing the need to protect the Tutsi population in eastern DR Congo, which it claims has faced systemic persecution and discrimination. However, critics accuse Rwanda of using the group as a proxy to exploit DR Congo’s vast mineral resources, including gold, cobalt, and tantalum—essential components for electronics and electric vehicle batteries.
Last month, DR Congo announced plans to sue tech giant Apple over its use of “blood minerals.” In response, Apple stated it had ceased sourcing materials from DR Congo and Rwanda.
Looking Ahead
The M23’s latest advances underscore the fragility of peace efforts in eastern DR Congo, where complex historical, ethnic, and economic factors continue to fuel conflict. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, calls for international intervention and renewed diplomatic engagement grow louder.
The capture of Masisi highlights not only the immediate security challenges but also the broader geopolitical and economic implications of the ongoing conflict in this resource-rich yet troubled region.
