Rwanda-backed M23 rebels capture key town in eastern DR Congo

Recent developments in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) indicate that rebel forces backed by Rwanda, known as the March 23 Movement (M23), have successfully captured the town of Masisi in the east of the country. This marks the second town seized by M23 in as many days in the mineral-rich North Kivu province. M23 has been active in the region since 2021, capturing vast swaths of territory and prompting international concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the area. The capture of Masisi is seen as a serious setback for peace efforts, with talks between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame having been abruptly canceled in mid-December over disagreements on the terms of a proposed peace deal. Masisi, with a population of around 40,000, serves as the administrative capital of the territory and is rich in agriculture, livestock, and minerals, making its capture a significant blow to regional stability.