DRC gov’t offers $5m bounty to capture rebel leaders as M23 fighters push further inland

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has offered a $5 million reward for the capture of three M23 rebel leaders, just as its fighters keep pushing deeper into the country’s mineral-rich eastern region, eyeing the strategic town of Walikale.
The M23 leaders, including Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa and Sultani Makenga, were convicted of treason last year but remain at large as the rebel forces continue to gain ground in eastern DRC. M23, allegedly backed by Rwanda, has made significant advances, seizing key cities such as Goma and Bukavu in recent weeks. The rebels are now targeting the strategic town of Walikale, which is crucial for the government due to its mineral wealth. Security forces have been further weakened by defections, with several pro-government militias, including the Group Kabido, joining M23 fighters.
The violence has left thousands dead and displaced hundreds of thousands, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Attacks on civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and schools, have also been reported, prompting the UN to issue urgent warnings. The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of supporting the rebels, while Kigali deflects the claims, citing security concerns over alleged links between DRC and the FDLR militia. Despite the rewards for rebel leaders, the DRC faces an uphill battle in curbing M23’s momentum, with the group continuing to exploit the region’s valuable mineral resources to fund its operations. As the conflict intensifies, calls for international sanctions against Rwanda grow louder, further complicating the already fragile situation in the region.