M23 Rebels Advance Further into Eastern DRC, Capture Key Towns

The M23 armed group has intensified its offensive in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), advancing deeper into the mineral-rich region after capturing the key cities of Goma and Bukavu. Security sources told ‘Al Jazeera’ that the Rwanda-backed rebels have now entered Nyabiondo village, north of Goma, along the strategic route to Walikale in North Kivu.  

In a setback for government forces, one of their allied groups, known as Group Kabido, announced its defection to the M23. Group Kabido leaders accused the Kinshasa government of mismanagement and pledged to fight alongside the rebels. The ongoing violence has displaced hundreds of thousands of people, with the United Nations reporting attacks on hospitals and civilian infrastructure.  

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The UN’s humanitarian office (OCHA) confirmed that at least four civilians were killed in clashes between M23 and rival groups in the Masisi district last month, while over 100,000 people have been displaced in Lubero to the north.  

In response, Congolese authorities have announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of key rebel leaders, including Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Sultani Makenga. Nangaa, a former electoral commission president, leads the Congo River Alliance, while Bisimwa and Makenga head the M23’s political and military wings, respectively.