M23 rebels capture key town of Minova in Eastern DR Congo

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have taken control of the strategic eastern town of Minova in the Democratic Republic of Congo, placing them just 25 miles from the provincial capital, Goma.

This marks a significant advance, coming just two weeks after the rebels seized Masisi. The Congolese army is actively responding with a counteroffensive to try and retake the town.

Intense fighting between the M23 rebels and government forces has led to more than 200,000 people being displaced from their homes in the mineral-rich region.

Both the provincial governor and independent sources have confirmed the capture, while reports from Goma indicate an increasing number of wounded civilians arriving at local hospitals.

The violence has intensified over the past few months, with civilian areas being heavily targeted. Accusations of Rwanda’s support for the M23 persist, although Rwanda denies any involvement.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have repeatedly failed, with recent talks between DR Congo and Rwanda collapsing amid ongoing tensions.