The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: March 21, 2025
Today: March 21, 2025

Rebels seize key town in eastern Congo

FILE PHOTO: Fighting resumes in eastern Congo, army and M23 say
January 05, 2025
Reuters - Reuters

KINSHASA (Reuters) - Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized a strategic eastern town near the provincial capital Goma in Democratic Republic of Congo, local politicians said on Sunday.

The Tutsi-led M23 group has been waging a renewed insurgency in eastern Congo since 2022. Congo and the United Nations accuse neighbouring Rwanda of backing the group with its own troops and weapons. Rwanda says it has taken what it calls defensive measures.

Fighting has flared in recent weeks, leading to territorial gains for M23, which is now in control of Masisi, a town and local administrative centre about 80 km (50 miles) from Goma, provincial parliament member Alexis Bahunga told Reuters.

"The government will take measures to restore state authority over the entire territory," he said.

Another parliamentary deputy, Jean-Pierre Ayobangira Safari, said Masisi had been taken "for now".

An army spokesperson declined immediate comment.

Corneille Nangaa, leader of the anti-government Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes M23, said rebel forces had reached the centre of Masisi mid-afternoon on Saturday.

The advance and continued fighting in defiance of a ceasefire agreement further undermine efforts to curb the conflict. A rare high-level meeting between the Congolese and Rwandan presidents was postponed in December, dashing hopes of a deal to curb the violence that has displaced more than 1.9 million people.

The head of an international organisation working in Masisi said staff members there were in shock and unable to continue operations as businesses were closed, making it hard to source supplies.

"They don't know how to leave the town since we fear that the ... (Congolese forces) will launch a counteroffensive," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

(Reporting by Ange Kasongo. Editing by Alessandra Prentice and Mark Potter)

Related Articles

Christiania, Copenhagenโ€™s hippie oasis, wants to rebuild without its illegal hashish market Former rebel leader arrives in Haiti's capital as protests against prime minister gain momentum Colombia extends cease-fire with FARC splinter group in bid to reduce rural violence Ex-Green Beret stands with Venezuelan coup plotter ahead of U.S. sentencing on terror charges
Share This

Popular

Africa|Environment|Science|World

World's glaciers are losing record ice as global temperatures climb, U.N. says

World's glaciers are losing record ice as global temperatures climb, U.N. says
Africa|Political|Sports|World

Olympics-Putin congratulates Kirsty Coventry on IOC election

Olympics-Putin congratulates Kirsty Coventry on IOC election
Africa|Political|Sports|World

Rwanda gets backing from world cycling chief despite blowback over Congo war

Rwanda gets backing from world cycling chief despite blowback over Congo war
Africa|Political|Sports

Who is Kirsty Coventry, the next president of the International Olympic Committee?

Who is Kirsty Coventry, the next president of the International Olympic Committee?

Political

Crime|Europe|Political|Travel|US

Detentions of European tourists at US borders spark fears of traveling to America

Detentions of European tourists at US borders spark fears of traveling to America
Education|Political|US

Facing anti-DEI investigations, colleges cut ties with nonprofit targeted by conservatives

Facing anti-DEI investigations, colleges cut ties with nonprofit targeted by conservatives
Business|Political|Technology|US

Hegseth says he'll meet with Musk at the Pentagon to discuss 'efficiencies'

Hegseth says he'll meet with Musk at the Pentagon to discuss 'efficiencies'
Americas|Political|US

GOP lawmaker faces boos from frustrated crowd at town hall in Wyoming

GOP lawmaker faces boos from frustrated crowd at town hall in Wyoming