Following a lightning onslaught, the rebel forces of M23 movement allegedly backed by Rwanda took control of nearly the whole city of Goma, a vital hub for the trade of minerals in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in late January 2025.

DRC Authorities Offer $5 Million Reward for Help in Capturing Rebel Leaders

12:11, 9 March 2025

Christina Glazkova

Writer / Editor

All materials

The M23 group, backed by about 4,000 Rwandan troops according to UN experts, resumed its fight with the Kinshasa government in 2021. It has since captured significant parts of North Kivu, which shares a border with Rwanda. Recently, the group rapidly advanced, capturing Goma and Bukavu, major cities in North and South Kivu.

Sputnik

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has offered a $5 million reward to anyone who can help authorities arrest three leaders of rebel groups operating in the east of the country.

"Anyone who ensures the arrest of convicted individuals Corneille Nangaa, Bertrand Bisimwa, and Sultani Makenga will receive a $5 million reward. Additionally, a reward of $4 million will be given for information leading to the arrest of their fugitive accomplices: Perrot Luwara, Irenge Baelenge, and other criminals wanted by justice," a communique from the DRC Ministry of Justice read.

M23 Rebels Offensive in DR Congo (2025)

DRC Republican Guard Conducts 'Endurance March' of 8,000 Soldiers to Prove Readiness: Presidency

2 March, 18:09

Nangaa is the leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC) rebel coalition. Last summer, a DRC tribunal sentenced him in absentia to death for treason and war crimes. Along with him, there were 25 other people involved in the case, who also received the highest measure of punishment for treason and war crimes. Previously, Nangaa served as the head of the DRC national electoral commission.

Bisimwa leads the political wing of the AFC-related group M23. Makenga is the commander of M23.