The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized Masisi, a strategic town in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), escalating their recent territorial gains. Masisi, located 80km from Goma, serves as an administrative hub for a resource-rich region. Thousands have fled the fighting, adding to the humanitarian crisis in Goma, which already shelters four million displaced people. According to the United Nations, nearly a million people were displaced last year due to the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi maintains a stance against direct dialogue with the group, whose leaders claim to defend their Tutsi community from Hutu-led forces. The DRC accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim Kigali denies, while peace talks mediated by Angola collapsed in December. The capture of Masisi raises fears of further advances toward key cities like Goma and Bukavu, intensifying concerns over regional stability.
Source: ALJAZEERA