M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have advanced closer to a key town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, capturing a nearby area, according to multiple sources.
The March 23 Movement (M23) has been steadily gaining ground in eastern DRC since 2021, displacing thousands of civilians and exacerbating a humanitarian crisis.
Recent reports indicate that the M23 has seized control of the Katale area, a crucial location situated just before the town of Masisi, the administrative capital of the Masisi territory.
This latest advance comes after the abrupt cancellation of peace talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, mediated by Angola.
Local sources have reported clashes and casualties among the civilian population.
The M23’s continued offensive poses a serious threat to regional stability, as the rebels have been steadily gaining ground in recent months.
The eastern DRC has been plagued by decades of conflict, with numerous armed groups vying for control of the region’s rich mineral resources.
