Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have captured Masisi, their second town in two days, in DR Congo’s North Kivu province, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis.

The group, active since 2021, controls large areas in the mineral-rich east, displacing hundreds of thousands.

Mediation efforts by Angola between DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame collapsed last month.

While the Congolese government remains silent on the loss, local leaders urge military reinforcement.

Accusations persist that Rwanda supports M23 to exploit DR Congo’s minerals, claims Kigali denies, the BBC has reported.

Fighting resumed in December after months of relative calm.

Written by B.C. Begley