M23 rebels, reportedly supported by Rwanda, have captured the town of Masisi in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking the second town seized in as many days in North Kivu province. The group has been making significant territorial gains in eastern DRC since 2021, displacing hundreds of thousands of residents.
The capture of Masisi follows the M23’s seizure of Katale the previous day. Masisi, with a population of around 40,000, serves as the capital of the Masisi territory and is located roughly 80 kilometers north of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu. The M23 briefly controlled Goma in 2012, raising concerns that they might advance on the city again.
Local leaders, including Alexis Bahunga, a member of the North Kivu provincial assembly, have expressed alarm at the situation, which they say is exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region. Bahunga urged the government to bolster military efforts to regain control.
Reports indicate that the M23 met with town residents, declaring their intention to “liberate the country.” Congolese authorities have yet to officially comment on the fall of Masisi.
The M23, which emerged in 2012 as an offshoot of another rebel faction, claims to protect the Tutsi population in eastern DRC, alleging discrimination and persecution. However, Rwanda is accused by critics of exploiting the M23 as a means to access valuable minerals in the region, including gold, cobalt, and tantalum—key components in mobile phones and electric car batteries.
Rwanda has been accused of deploying approximately 4,000 soldiers to fight alongside the M23, a claim it did not deny in a UN report from July. Rwanda justifies its actions by pointing to the DRC government’s alleged collaboration with individuals responsible for the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts by Angola to mediate talks between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have stalled, following a breakdown in negotiations last month.
