The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has announced a $5 million reward for the capture of three senior M23 rebel leaders. The move aims to weaken the armed group’s influence in the country’s conflict-hit east.
The wanted men are former electoral commission chief Corneille Nangaa, military commander Sultani Makenga, and political leader Bertrand Bisimwa. Last year, a court sentenced them to death in absentia for treason, accusing them of endangering national security.
Despite the bounty, their arrest remains unlikely. M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, still control key areas, including Goma and Bukavu. The conflict has already claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands. President Félix Tshisekedi has urged international sanctions against Rwanda, citing a UN report that accuses Kigali of sending 4,000 troops to support M23 fighters. The Congolese government has also asked the United States to buy minerals such as gold and coltan directly from DR Congo. Officials accuse Rwanda of smuggling these valuable resources.
Rwanda denies exploiting DR Congo’s minerals but admits to supporting M23. Kigali claims its actions are based on security concerns. It accuses DR Congo of working with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), a group linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Kinshasa rejects this claim, calling it an excuse for Rwanda’s interference.
With no resolution in sight, the situation remains tense. International bodies and human rights groups continue to monitor the crisis. As violence persists, eastern DR Congo faces growing instability, threatening the wider Great Lakes region.