M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo have seized control of Minova, a strategic town serving as a main supply route to Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The Tutsi-led rebel group, which reignited its insurgency in eastern Congo in 2022, has continued to make territorial gains despite international calls for a ceasefire. Both the Congolese government and the United Nations have accused neighboring Rwanda of supporting M23 by supplying troops and weapons, allegations that Rwanda firmly denies.
Minova’s capture marks a significant escalation in the conflict, as the town’s strategic location could disrupt supplies to Goma, heightening humanitarian concerns in the already troubled region.
“Minova is in our hands,” said Corneille Nangaa, leader of the anti-government Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes M23.
The fall of the town could put the key eastern city of Goma, around 40 km away, in the rebels’ sights. The town’s capture was confirmed by provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi.
Congo’s Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya told Reuters the government had been monitoring the situation since 5 a.m. local time (0400 GMT).
