M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu, Escalating Conflict in DR Congo
M23 rebels have captured Bukavu, marking the second city to fall in DRC amid rising conflict. Residents face uncertainty and violence as the government urges them to stay home. This takeover highlights the turmoil in the region, with potential for wider regional implications as the DRC accuses Rwanda of interference.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), capturing the regional governor’s office without facing any resistance. Following Goma, this marks the second city in the mineral-rich region to fall within weeks. The Congolese government has confirmed the capture and advised residents to remain indoors to avoid potential violence from occupying forces.
Witnesses in Bukavu report a mix of fear and enthusiasm among locals as the rebels entered the city. One resident remarked about the chaos: children and youth armed with weapons were firing indiscriminately while looting occurred. There was a visible sense of confusion with citizens unsure if their reactions were born out of fear or relief from the absence of government authority.
Earlier, M23 forces seized Bukavu’s central airport, located roughly 30 kilometers north of the city, before advancing to the city center. Congolese military forces reportedly retreated to prevent urban combat, leaving behind a security gap that led to chaotic events, including a prison break and significant looting of food supplies by M23 fighters.
The capture of Bukavu is a significant territorial gain for M23, escalating their influence since they resumed hostilities in late 2021. This development poses a considerable challenge to President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration. The government spokesperson accused Rwanda of violating DRC’s sovereignty and perpetuating human rights violations while asserting that Rwanda seeks to exploit the region’s resources amid ongoing unrest.
In response, President Tshisekedi has called for sanctions against Rwanda, which President Paul Kagame dismissed, emphasizing Rwanda’s security interests in the region. Tensions remain heightened as both countries accuse each other of fostering instability, particularly concerning the presence of the FLDR rebel group, a remnant of the perpetrators of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
On the streets of Bukavu, M23 commander Bernard Byamungu participated in public interactions, encouraging those still in hiding to surrender and attributing local violence to the retreating government forces. The African Union has echoed concerns regarding the escalation into a broader regional conflict, with calls for disarmament of M23 forces being raised at a recent summit in Ethiopia.
The M23 rebels’ takeover of Bukavu signifies a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, with widespread consequences for local populations and regional stability. The Congolese government’s inability to contain the insurgency has raised alarms about humanitarian crises and potential international repercussions. As tensions between Rwanda and DRC intensify, a broader regional war looms as a significant concern for international stakeholders.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
