M23 Rebels capture strategic town in Eastern Congo

The M23 rebel group has seized control of Kalembe town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a significant expansion of their territorial control after an eight-month standoff.

The Tutsi-led insurgents captured the town from Congolese armed forces and government-allied Wazalendo fighters on Sunday, according to local official Kabaki Alimasi. While civilians were not directly targeted, many fled to the nearby town of Pinga seeking safety.
The seizure raises concerns about control of the region’s valuable gold mines, with the UN reporting that M23 already generates substantial monthly revenue from illegal mineral smuggling in territories under their control.

The conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in North Kivu province, where approximately 2.6 million people were displaced by September’s end, according to UN aid agency OCHA. Congo and the UN accuse Rwanda of supporting M23 with troops and weapons, allegations Rwanda denies while claiming defensive measures.

The capture comes as negotiations between Congo and Rwanda continue in Angola’s capital, Luanda, part of ongoing efforts to curb the fighting. Former lawmaker Juvenal Munobo suggests the offensive may be timed to influence these negotiations.

The Congolese army has not commented on the event. The majority of Congo’s substantial mineral wealth is found in its eastern provinces, making control of these areas particularly strategic for all parties involved.