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DRC Offers $5 Million Reward for Capture of M23 Rebel Leaders Amid Escalating Violence
DRC offers $5 million reward for capture of M23 rebel leaders amid escalating violence. Government targets Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Sultani Makenga.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced $ 5 million reward information leading the capture of three top leaders of M23 REBEL GROUP: Corneille Naggaa, Bertrand Bisimwa and Sultani Makenga, in addition of $4 million bounty has been offered for the arrest of their accomplices, including Perrot Lụwara, Irenge Baelenge, and other fugitives linked to the group.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has announced $ 5 million reward information leading the capture of three top leaders of M23 REBEL GROUP: Corneille Naggaa, Bertrand Bisimwa and Sultani Makenga, in addition of $4 million bounty has been offered for the arrest of their accomplices, including Perrot Lụwara, Irenge Baelenge, and other fugitives linked to the group.
The announcement was made by the DRC’s Minister of State and Minister of Justice, who emphasized the government’s commitment to bringing the rebel leaders to justice. The statement assured that informants providing credible information would receive the full reward, with their identities and personal data protected. The government also offered reduced sentences for individuals involved in criminal activities who provide useful intelligence, excluding those implicated in crimes against humanity.
The M23 leaders were tried in absentia in Kinshasa and sentenced to death in August 2024. Despite this, the rebel group has continued its aggressive campaign, recently seizing control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, and Bukavu, the main city in neighboring South Kivu. These advances have intensified the conflict in eastern DRC, displacing thousands of civilians and worsening the region’s humanitarian crisis.
The M23 rebellion, which first emerged in 2012, has been a major source of instability in the DRC. The group, which claims to represent the interests of Congolese Tutsis, has been accused of committing widespread human rights violations, including killings, sexual violence, and the forced recruitment of child soldiers. The recent escalation in violence has drawn international concern, with calls for urgent action to protect civilians and restore peace.
The DRC government’s bounty initiative highlights its determination to dismantle the M23 and restore stability to the region. However, the success of this effort will depend on the cooperation of local communities and support from international partners. The United Nations and regional organizations have repeatedly called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, but the situation remains highly volatile.
As the DRC steps up its efforts to combat the M23 rebellion, the international community is closely monitoring the situation, urging all parties to prioritize civilian safety and work toward a sustainable peace
