Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of the town of Masisi, a strategic location in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), on January 4, 2025. Masisi, with a population of around 40,000, lies 80 kilometers north of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and is known for its agricultural, livestock, and mineral resources.
Since 2021, the M23, a militia supported by Rwanda, has gained control of large areas in eastern DRC, displacing thousands of people and creating a humanitarian crisis. The DRC government, led by President Felix Tshisekedi, had been engaged in peace talks with Rwanda, mediated by Angola. However, those discussions were abruptly halted in mid-December due to disagreements over the terms of a potential peace agreement.
The capture of Masisi has raised concerns among local authorities. Alexis Bahunga, the deputy of North Kivu province, expressed his alarm at the town’s fall, stating that it would exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis. Bahunga called on the government to enhance the capabilities of the Congolese army (FARDC) to address the growing threat.
According to Masisi resident Dieudonne Mirimo Mahibdule, the M23 rebels took control of the town around 2:00 pm local time, holding a meeting at a parish where they declared their intention to “liberate the country.” While the town center remained calm after the takeover, civilians sought refuge in local hospitals and churches to avoid gunfire. Although there were reported injuries, no fatalities had been confirmed at the hospital.
Earlier in the day, clashes between the M23 and the Congolese army had occurred in a nearby village. The M23 had also captured the Katale area, which was the final obstacle before entering Masisi.
Eastern DRC has experienced decades of violence, with numerous armed groups fighting for control of the region’s lucrative resources. This conflict has been ongoing since the regional wars of the 1990s, with little resolution in sight.
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