M23 rebels have seized Minova, a crucial town in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, disrupting a key supply route to Goma, the provincial capital.
The rebel advance has caused thousands to flee, as the group continues its offensive, capturing several strategic locations in recent weeks.
Jean-Jacques Purusi, the South Kivu provincial governor, confirmed the fall of Minova. He also noted that the rebels have taken the mining towns of Lumbishi, Numbi, and Shanje in South Kivu, as well as Bweremana in North Kivu province.
Congo’s military acknowledged “breakthroughs” by the rebels in Minova and Bweremana but stopped short of confirming that the towns had been fully captured.
M23, or the March 23 Movement, is a group of ethnic Tutsi fighters who broke away from Congo’s army over a decade ago. They gained international attention in 2012 when they briefly captured Goma, North Kivu’s capital, and eastern Congo’s largest city.
The region, rich in minerals, has been plagued by conflict for decades, with over 100 armed groups battling for control. “More than 7 million people have been displaced due to the ongoing violence,” according to humanitarian organizations.
Congo, the United Nations, and the United States have accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim Rwanda denies.
The M23 rebels have been advancing rapidly. Earlier this month, they captured the mining town of Masisi, another critical supply hub for Goma.
Minova, located on the shores of Lake Kivu, is a strategic transit point for agricultural goods heading to Goma, just 45 kilometers away.
The UN refugee agency reported on Monday that “more than 237,000 people have been displaced by the fighting in eastern Congo since the beginning of this year.”
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