M23 rebels have seized control of Minova, a significant town that serves as a crucial supply route to Goma, the provincial capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This was confirmed by a spokesperson for the M23 group and the provincial governor on Tuesday.
The Tutsi-led M23 group, which has been engaged in an insurgency in eastern DRC since 2022, has intensified its efforts in the region, with both the Congolese government and the United Nations accusing neighboring Rwanda of providing military support to the rebels. However, Rwanda has denied the allegations.
“Minova is now under our control,” said Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes the M23 group. The capture of Minova puts Goma, situated approximately 40 kilometers away, at increased risk of being targeted by the rebels, further escalating security concerns in the region.
Jean-Jacques Purusi, the provincial governor, confirmed the fall of Minova, acknowledging the growing threat to the stability of the area.
Congo’s Communications Minister, Patrick Muyaya, stated that the government has been monitoring the situation closely since early morning, following the capture of the town at 5 a.m. local time (0400 GMT). The situation in Minova highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Congolese government in the fight against armed groups in the eastern part of the country.