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The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced a reward of $5 million (£4 million) for information leading to the capture of three leaders of a rebel faction that has taken control of significant portions of eastern DRC this year.
Corneille Nangaa, who previously served as the head of the DRC’s electoral commission, now leads the Congo River Alliance, a coalition that includes the M23 rebel group. Nangaa has been actively addressing large rallies in cities that fall under the group’s influence.
The bounty also targets M23 commanders Sultani Makenga and Bertrand Bisimwa, who, along with Nangaa, were tried in absentia by a military court last year and sentenced to death for treason.
Previously, a $4 million (£3 million) reward had been set for the capture of their associates.
However, the likelihood of these leaders being apprehended appears low. Recently, the Congolese army has struggled against the Rwandan-supported rebels, who have been able to capture vast areas within the mineral-rich eastern DRC, including the major cities of Goma and Bukavu.
In light of these developments, President Félix Tshisekedi has shifted his focus toward rallying international support to impose sanctions on Rwanda for its backing of the M23.
A report from United Nations experts last year indicated that as many as 4,000 Rwandan troops were collaborating with the M23 in northeastern Congo.
The ongoing conflict has led to the deaths of thousands and displaced countless others, leaving many without shelter after fleeing their homes.
The Congolese government is also seeking assistance from the United States, proposing to offer access to its mineral resources in exchange for military support against the M23 rebels.
DR Congo has accused Rwanda of attempting to seize control over its valuable mineral resources, which include gold and coltan—precious materials widely used in consumer electronics like smartphones and laptops.
In response to discussions regarding the potential offering of mineral access to secure military aid, presidential spokesperson Tina Salama stated on X that President Tshisekedi is encouraging U.S. companies to procure these strategic materials directly from Congolese sources, whom she referred to as the “rightful owners.”
Rwanda, however, has denied allegations of mineral looting from the DRC. While it has acknowledged its support for the M23, it claims that its intent is to prevent the conflict from spilling into its own borders.
Additionally, Rwanda has accused the DRC government of collaborating with another armed group associated with perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 800,000 individuals, predominantly ethnic Tutsis.
Both the M23 and the Rwandan government are led by individuals of Tutsi descent, further complicating the historical and ethnic dimensions of the conflict.
In turn, the Congolese authorities have denied claims that they are working alongside the FDLR group, which Rwanda characterizes as a “genocidal militia.”
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