The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has put forth a significant $5 million reward aiming to capture the key figures behind the M23 rebel movement. These include Corneille Nangaa, once at the helm of the movement’s electoral affairs, military strategist Sultani Makenga, and the political frontman Bertrand Bisimwa. In absentia, they were condemned to death last year for acts of treason.

However, the capture of these rebel leaders seems remote as the M23 forces, reportedly supported by Rwanda, maintain a firm grip over eastern DR Congo. They have taken control over strategic cities, such as Goma and Bukavu, resulting in a bloody conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and left hundreds of thousands displaced.

President Félix Tshisekedi has appealed for international sanctions to be imposed on Rwanda following a UN report that accuses Rwanda of deploying troops to back the M23. DR Congo is also advocating for the U.S. to source its minerals directly from within its borders instead of Rwanda, alleging that Rwanda is involved in the illicit smuggling of gold and coltan—minerals critical for electronic devices.

Rwanda has dismissed claims that they are plundering DR Congo’s resources, although they do admit to their support for M23, citing security reasons due to DR Congo’s supposed links with FDLR—a militia with ties to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. According to a report by UN experts, approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops are observed fighting alongside M23 rebels in eastern Congo, an area rich with untapped mineral wealth vital for global technological progress. M23 stands as the preeminent military force among various armed groups contesting for supremacy in the mineral-rich eastern regions of the country.

Source: http://www.africanews.com/2025/03/09/dr-congo-offers-5m-reward-for-rebel-leaders-amid-ongoing-conflict/