M23 Rebels Seize Mushaki as EAC Force Withdraws from DRC

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Summary:

• M23 rebels recapture Mushaki in North Kivu, intensifying security concerns as they swiftly reclaim territories from the East African Community Regional Force, while the deteriorating situation in eastern Congo heightens fears of disrupted supply routes to Goma.

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M23 rebels have recaptured the strategically important town of Mushaki in Masisi territory, North Kivu, advancing toward their primary objective of disrupting crucial routes to the provincial city of Goma.

This seizure follows days of intense and deadly clashes with DRC forces, resulting in high casualties and the loss of modern equipment for the insurgents. However, in the third assault on Thursday morning, M23 rebels regained control of Mushaki.

Initially taken from government forces in February 2023, Mushaki was handed over to the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) on March 16, 2023, under pressure from East African leaders. In September 2023, Burundian troops within EACRF quietly returned Mushaki to DRC soldiers, causing frustration among M23 rebels.

Situated approximately 37 kilometers west of Goma City, Mushaki connects neighboring Mufuni-Matanda and Mufuni Karuba groupings. Concerns arise that the rebels may exploit their new position to block the Sake-Masisi center road at Mushaki, obstructing supply routes to Goma.

Reports suggest that on Thursday, M23 rebels were advancing towards Muremure hill, aiming to sever the Sake-Minova road in the village of Kirotche. These developments highlight the deteriorating security situation in eastern Congo.

The rebels’ objective may be to cut off all access to Goma, creating leverage for peace talks with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi. Tshisekedi accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels and refuses dialogue with what he deems mercenaries, a charge denied by Rwanda.

The rebels are swiftly reclaiming territories handed over to EACRF, which is set to exit DRC by December 8, 2023. East African Defence Chiefs resolved on Wednesday to transfer control of areas occupied by EACRF to the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, emphasizing the escalating regional security concerns.