Why in News: The military governor of North Kivu, a province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, died of wounds suffered while the army battled the advancing M23 rebels near Goma.
Other event: Fighting between M23 rebels and peacekeeping forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in the deaths of thirteen peacekeepers. Nine South African soldiers, along with three from Malawi and one from Uruguay, were among those killed during efforts to repel a rebel offensive towards Goma.
The M23 Group, also known as the March 23 Movement, is a rebel militia based in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Why in News: On Saturday, January 4, the M23, a rebel group supported by Rwanda, captured Masisi, a strategically important town in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Key Details:
- Origins: Formed in 2012 by former Congolese soldiers who mutinied, claiming the government failed to honor a 2009 peace agreement.
- Name: Derived from the March 23, 2009 agreement that promised integration of rebel forces into the Congolese army.
- Activities: Known for insurgency campaigns, territorial control in eastern DRC (particularly North Kivu), and accusations of human rights abuses, including mass killings and displacements.
- Support Allegations: Often accused of receiving backing from neighboring Rwanda (denied by Rwanda), escalating regional tensions.
Impact:
- The M23 conflict has worsened the humanitarian crisis in eastern DRC, displacing thousands and straining international relations in the Great Lakes region.
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