M23 rebels have captured the town of Minova in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a key supply route for the provincial capital, Goma. The takeover, which has sparked a mass exodus, is part of a wider offensive by the rebel group, which has recently seized several strategic towns.
The provincial governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi, confirmed on January 21 that Minova, along with other towns such as Lumbishi, Numbi, and Shanje, has fallen to the rebels, who have also taken Bweremana in the neighbouring North Kivu province. The DRC military reported breakthroughs in Minova and Bweremana, but did not confirm full control by M23.
The M23, a group of ethnic Tutsis who broke away from the Congolese army over a decade ago, has been gaining ground in eastern Congo. It has captured important towns like Masisi, a key mining town, in recent weeks. The group, which first rose to prominence in 2012 when it seized Goma, is one of many armed factions vying for control of the region’s valuable mineral resources. The ongoing conflict has displaced over 7 million people, contributing to one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. While the DRC, the United States, and UN experts accuse neighbouring Rwanda of supporting M23, Rwanda denies these claims.
The town of Minova, located on the shores of Lake Kivu, is a crucial transit point for agricultural goods heading to Goma. Its capture further threatens supply lines in an already fragile region. The UN Refugee Agency reported that more than 237,000 people have been displaced in eastern Congo since the start of the year, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. As the conflict escalates, hospitals in the area are experiencing a significant influx of wounded individuals.