The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have advanced further into eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, seizing a key area.
On Friday, sources confirmed the militia captured Katale, the last stronghold before Masisi, the administrative capital of Masisi territory.
This marks the latest move by the group, which has waged a devastating campaign across eastern DRC since 2021. Their actions have displaced thousands and exacerbated a severe humanitarian crisis.
“We have been attacked by the rebels… the enemy controls Katale,” a security source disclosed under anonymity to AFP.
Residents have fled toward Masisi, according to Thierry Muhindo, a local leader. “The population has fled… Katale is now in the hands of M23,” he said.
Civil society president Telesphore Mitondeke confirmed deaths in the area but provided no specific figures. “The human toll is alarming. The situation is deeply revolting,” he told AFP.
Masisi lies approximately 80 kilometers north of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. The capture of Katale places Masisi at immediate risk of falling into rebel hands.
Angola-mediated peace talks between DRC President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Paul Kagame collapsed in December. Disputes over the terms of a proposed peace agreement derailed progress.
In December, M23 launched another offensive ahead of a planned summit in Angola meant to restore peace in the region.