M23 has tightened its hold over eastern Congo, expanding a parallel administration even as international actors promote new peace deals.

The rebel force has grown to at least 14,000 fighters and installed its own governors, mayors, border controls and tax systems — creating a de facto state beyond Kinshasa’s reach.

Their rule now spans key mineral-rich territories and strategic border crossings, where visas and tariffs are imposed directly by the group.

Despite U.S.-backed agreements, fighting continues on the ground, and experts warn the conflict risks becoming a lasting fracture.

Investigations also show M23 has seized dozens of mining sites, including Rubaya — a major global source of coltan.

Source: Reuters

I think Ukraine should hold an election.

You know, they’re using war not to hold an election, but I would think the Ukrainian people would, you know, should have that choice.

And maybe Zelensky would win. I don’t know who would win, but they haven’t had an election in a long time.

You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.

It was an understanding that Ukraine would not be going into NATO.

This was long before Putin, in all fairness.

And now they pushed, you know, when Zelensky first went in and first met Putin, he said, “I want two things. I want Crimea back and we’re going to be a member of NATO.” He didn’t say it in a very nice way either.