The militant group M23 in Congo-Kinshasa has taken a key central town in the eastern part of the country. The rebel group, which is believed to receive both economic and military support from the neighboring country Rwanda, has thereby intensified its efforts to strengthen its presence along crucial transport routes in the vast country.
Reports that the town of Masisi has fallen into the rebels' hands come from several independent sources, reports the French news agency AFP.
M23's offensive began in 2021, which has led to extensive refugee problems and an acute humanitarian crisis.
Recent mediation attempts, led by Angola, between Congo-Kinshasa's President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda's President Paul Kagame broke down in mid-December.
