Crisis in Eastern Congo: M23 Rebels Seize Strategic Territories

Over 7,000 have died this year as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seize vast territories in eastern Congo, according to Congo's prime minister. The conflict involves hundreds of armed groups, threatening regional stability and highlighting Congo's mineral wealth. Rebels aim to unseat President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa while promising to reform governance.

In a deteriorating conflict, over 7,000 casualties have been reported this year as M23 rebels, purportedly backed by Rwanda, expand their control over eastern Congo, Congo's prime minister revealed.

Addressing the UN Human Rights Council, Judith Suminwa Tuluka warned of alarming security and humanitarian concerns, accelerated by the rebels' recent capture of key cities Goma and Bukavu. Eastern Congo's immense, untapped mineral wealth remains central to the global technology sector and is coveted by about 100 armed groups.

Despite ceasefire calls, M23 asserts a mission to cleanse the region of governance failures while protecting ethnic Tutsis and Congolese of Rwandan origin. Analysts suspect Rwanda's self-interested motives. Amidst ongoing gunfire in Uriva, witnesses report misidentifications and wrongful death of civilians by M23's intelligence operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)