The DRC government has issued a $5 million bounty for the capture of M23 rebel leaders, alongside a $4 million reward for two exiled journalists labeled as accomplices. The army is struggling against the M23, linked to Rwanda, amid extensive violence and displacement. The DRC seeks U.S. military assistance, offering access to minerals in return.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government has announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest of three leaders of the M23 rebel group and the Congo River Alliance. Among them is Corneille Nangaa, the former electoral commission head, who has publicly addressed rallies in their controlled areas. The bounty also targets M23 leaders Sultani Makenga and Bertrand Bisimwa, both of whom were sentenced to death last year in absentia for treason.
In addition to the bounty for the rebel leaders, the DRC has proposed a reward of $4 million for the arrest of two journalists in exile, along with other alleged accomplices. However, experts suggest the likelihood of capturing these individuals remains low as the DRC armed forces have struggled against the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who have overtaken substantial portions of eastern DRC, including key cities like Goma and Bukavu.
The conflict has been devastating, leading to thousands of deaths and leaving many civilians homeless. The DRC government is actively seeking U.S. support, offering strategic access to its mineral resources, including gold and coltan, in exchange for military assistance against the insurgents. The DRC accuses Rwanda of attempting to control these valuable resources, urging American companies to source materials directly from them instead of Rwanda.
Rwanda has acknowledged its backing of M23 but contends its involvement is aimed at preventing the conflict from expanding into its territory. The Rwandan government has also accused the DRC of collaborating with armed groups related to those responsible for the 1994 genocide, which claimed approximately 800,000 lives, predominantly Tutsis. The Congolese government denies these allegations, asserting that they are not working with the FDLR militia accused by Rwanda of such actions.
The DRC’s offer of significant bounties for the arrest of rebel leaders highlights the ongoing crisis in the eastern region of the country, exacerbated by Rwandan involvement and the struggle for control over valuable mineral resources. While the government seeks international assistance, the complexities of the conflict, including historical tensions and accusations of militias, continue to pose significant challenges to stability and peace in the area.
Original Source: www.zimlive.com
