The M23 militia, supported by Rwanda, now controls vast territories in eastern Congo, threatening the nation’s sovereignty and exploiting valuable resources. Despite international calls for cease-fires, M23 operates with administrative powers in key cities and pledges to advance further, worsening an already critical humanitarian crisis.
The M23 militia currently controls a significant area in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), posing a serious threat to the sovereignty of the region. With assistance from Rwanda, this armed group has taken over territories rich in rare-earth minerals essential for producing smartphones, as well as lucrative trafficking routes, leading to a dire situation affecting millions of lives.
In the major city of Goma, located at the border with Rwanda, M23 forces dominate the streets while M23-appointed officials govern the city. The DRC’s military, despite its size, has failed to impede M23’s advances, which have continued amidst protests and resolutions from the United Nations Security Council addressing the situation.
Following extensive conflict, Congolese and Rwandan leaders convened talks in Qatar, urging for an immediate cease-fire; however, the M23 has not indicated whether it will comply with the cease-fire agreement. In a recent visit to Goma shortly after its capture by the militia, it became evident that M23 operates similarly to a governmental body, enforcing rules and imposing authority over the local population.
As M23 establishes itself in cities, mines, and border ports, it functions as an administrative entity, including immigration services that stamp passports. The group, which has previously engaged in violent confrontations, is now actively recruiting young members to join its ranks, framing their mission as one of “liberation” for the DRC.
M23’s leadership has pledged to advance towards Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC, thus endangering the sovereignty of a nation that has already experienced decades of turmoil, leading to millions of fatalities through ongoing conflicts.
M23, with Rwandan support, has evolved from a mere militia to a governing entity in eastern Congo, asserting control over key areas rich in resources. Despite peace talks, the group’s intentions to continue its aggressive expansion towards the capital, Kinshasa, and its alarming recruitment of local youth signal ongoing threats to the DRC’s stability and sovereignty.
Original Source: www.nytimes.com
