M23 rebels capture key trade town of Minova in eastern DRC

M23 rebels have taken control of Minova, a key trade town near Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The provincial governor confirmed the capture, along with other towns in South Kivu and North Kivu provinces. The DRC army acknowledged the rebels' advances but did not confirm the full capture of the towns. M23, an armed group formed over a decade ago, has gained ground since its resurgence in 2022. Fighting continues around Goma, displacing hundreds of thousands. Many routes to the city are blocked, and humanitarian organizations have paused operations in Minova due to the conflict.