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The Democratic Republic of Congo has issued a $5 million bounty for the capture of three M23 rebel leaders as the group continues to make territorial gains in the country.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, there’s an ongoing war in the DRC that goes back to 2012, when the M23 rebels broke off from the Congolese army. At the time, M23 accused the government of failing to honor a peace agreement. The conflict is rooted in ethnic tensions, political power struggles, and control over the region’s vast mineral wealth, which includes trillions of dollars worth of rare earth materials such as cobalt, gold, and tin. Rwanda is accused of backing M23 by providing military support, weapons, and logistical assistance, allegedly profiting from the illegal export of these minerals. Despite the accusations, Rwanda denies any involvement, insisting its actions are focused on securing its border from armed groups operating within DRC. Throughout the war, M23 has been accused of severe human rights abuses, including mass executions, recruitment of child soldiers, and rape, leading to mass displacements and a dire humanitarian crisis. Last week, the US rolled out sanctions on Rwanda’s minister of State over accusations that he was assisting M23.
What’s going on now: In an announcement aimed at curbing the growing threat of the M23 rebel group, the DRC has placed a $5 million bounty on the capture of three key rebel leaders: Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Sultani Makenga. The Ministry of Justice stated that anyone providing information leading to their arrest would be rewarded, noting that the government is determined to dismantle M23’s leadership. Nangaa, a former head of the DRC’s Independent National Electoral Commission, now leads the Congo River Alliance (AFC), a coalition that includes M23. Meanwhile, Bisimwa serves as M23’s political head, and Makenga is the group’s military commander. The government also announced a $4 million reward for information on their accomplices, including two journalists living in exile, signaling a broader crackdown on individuals suspected of supporting the rebels.
In a notable shift, the Congolese government has also hinted that it is open to working with private military contractors to track down and eliminate the M23 leadership. This plea follows months of President Félix Tshisekedi requesting international support to stop M23’s advancements. Last month, he pitched a mineral deal offer to the United States in return for their support.
This all comes as M23 continues to seize strategic territory across eastern DRC, having already captured the major cities of Goma and Bukavu. Now, the group is making significant advances toward Walikale, a crucial mining hub.
