The United Nations reported on Monday that M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, abducted at least 130 sick and wounded men from two hospitals in Goma last week. The raids took place on the night of February 28, with 116 patients taken from CBCA Ndosho Hospital and another 15 from Heal Africa Hospital, according to U.N. Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani.

The kidnapped individuals were suspected of being soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or members of the pro-government militia known as Wazalendo. Shamdasani condemned the abductions, describing them as "deeply distressing" and calling for the immediate release of the detainees.

The Tutsi-led M23 rebels marched into Goma at the end of January and have since made an unprecedented advance into eastern Congo, capturing territory and securing access to valuable mineral resources. The offensive, which began in late December, has escalated into the most serious conflict in the region in over a decade. The roots of the crisis trace back to the spillover effects of Rwanda's 1994 genocide and the ongoing struggle for control over Congo's vast mineral wealth.

Congo, along with U.N. experts and Western powers, has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing M23. However, Rwanda denies these allegations, claiming instead that its actions are in defense against ethnic Hutu-led militias operating in Congo that pose a threat to its security.

According to the Congolese government, the violence has resulted in the deaths of around 7,000 people since January. Additionally, nearly half a million people have been displaced, with 90 displacement camps destroyed due to the fighting.

In response to Rwanda's alleged support for M23, Canada announced on Monday that it would suspend the issuance of permits for controlled goods and technology exports to Rwanda. Additionally, Canada has halted new government-to-government trade missions and support for private-sector business development in Rwanda. The country is also reviewing its participation in international events hosted by Kigali.

Canada joins the European Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States in imposing restrictions on Rwanda. The U.S. has imposed sanctions on James Kabarebe, a Rwandan state minister for foreign affairs.

On Tuesday, Rwanda dismissed Canada's stance on the conflict as "shameful" and argued that such measures would not contribute to resolving the situation in eastern Congo.

As the M23 rebels continue their advance, the Congolese military faces internal turmoil. Reports indicate that Congolese soldiers, some dressed in a mix of fatigues and civilian clothes, recently stood trial for crimes such as rape, murder, theft, and desertion following their retreat from M23 forces.

Over 300 soldiers were subjected to rapid court-martial proceedings, exposing deep-seated issues within the military, including poor pay, corruption, and a breakdown in command structures. According to a confidential U.N. memo, these factors have contributed to the army’s inability to counter the rebels effectively.

"We are criticized, but we suffer like the rest of the population," said a Congolese army colonel stationed in South Kivu province.

During the trials, several soldiers admitted that crimes had been committed but denied personal involvement. Some claimed they had merely lost contact with their units amid heavy fighting.

One soldier, Siko Mongombo Brice, recounted how he and his comrades became disoriented during battle and were later arrested for desertion. "It wasn't a flight. We were looking for our unit," he said.

The trials have resulted in over 260 soldiers receiving death sentences, including 55 in Musienene last Friday. Additionally, more than 200 soldiers escaped from prison following a mass breakout coinciding with the army’s retreat from Bukavu on February 14.

Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay, spokesperson for the northern front, accused the deserters of dishonoring the military and committing "atrocities" that could further weaken civilian confidence in the army.

According to U.N. experts, the M23 rebels are backed by thousands of Rwandan troops, which has created a significant battlefield imbalance. Reports suggest that M23 fighters possess superior weaponry, making it difficult for the Congolese army to resist.

"We resisted sometimes, but we were bombed a lot. The Rwandans have fearsome weapons," said a Congolese army colonel. The situation has also led to allied Burundian soldiers retreating alongside Congolese troops.

Despite these reports, Rwanda continues to deny providing arms and troops to M23, insisting that its forces are acting in self-defense against hostile Congolese militias.

In a shocking revelation, a confidential U.N. memo indicated that on the night before M23 seized Goma, Congo's military leadership and provincial authorities fled by boat on Lake Kivu, leaving their troops uninformed. Such actions have further demoralized an already struggling army, where soldiers receive an estimated $100 per month in salaries.

Despite a sharp increase in military spending under President Félix Tshisekedi—more than doubling to $794 million in 2023—poor training and lack of discipline continue to weaken the army’s effectiveness.

Tshisekedi has blamed high-ranking military officials for the army’s poor performance, stating that the military has been "betrayed from within." However, critics argue that the president's reliance on regional forces and militias has only exacerbated the crisis.

"Among these new recruits, there were thugs," said a high-ranking general, referring to the difficulty of controlling recently incorporated militias.

Tshisekedi’s administration acknowledged that some military personnel lacked adequate training and discipline but emphasized that these issues predate his presidency. His office stated that the president is committed to addressing these challenges.

In addition to the battlefield struggles, tensions between government forces and militias have led to deadly clashes in Uvira, a city on the Burundian border. A humanitarian source reported that recent confrontations have left 30 people dead and over 100 injured.

On February 26, military generals announced an operation aimed at tracking down soldiers responsible for "intolerable acts of barbarity" in and around Uvira.

As the conflict escalates, peace negotiations, international sanctions, and legal actions—including renewed investigations by the International Criminal Court—have so far failed to halt M23's advances. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with thousands dead, hundreds of thousands displaced, and the Congolese army struggling to mount an effective response against the rebel insurgency.