M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu, Escalating Conflict in Eastern DR Congo
Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s second-largest city, has fallen to Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who seized the governor’s office and entered the city center unopposed. This incident follows the earlier capture of Goma and contributes to a humanitarian crisis, with residents advised to remain indoors amid fears of violence. The situation has raised alarms internationally regarding potential regional conflict, while accusations of Rwandan interference continue to escalate.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have successfully taken control of Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s second-largest city. The fighters seized the regional governor’s office and entered the city center unopposed, prompting some residents to greet them with applause. This development follows the earlier fall of Goma to the same group, intensifying the crisis in the mineral-rich eastern region.
The Congolese government has acknowledged the loss, advising citizens to remain indoors to avoid confrontation with the rebels. The escalation has already resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents and has raised alarms from the United Nations and European nations about the potential for a broader regional conflict.
Residents of Bukavu expressed fear and uncertainty; one individual stated that armed youth are now firing weapons indiscriminately and looting. She noted that the M23’s entrance was met with cheers from onlookers, highlighting a complex local sentiment amid fears of insecurity. Gunfire continues to be heard in various areas of the city.
The M23 had previously captured Bukavu’s main airport before advancing towards the city, which is the capital of South-Kivu province. Confirming the situation, provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki reported that Congolese military forces withdrew to prevent urban combat, leading to chaos within the city as security was compromised, including a prison break that occurred during the turmoil.
Reports indicate that essential supplies are also affected, with a UN agency noting the looting of a warehouse holding 7,000 tonnes of food. The city’s proximity to Rwanda and its strategic role in the local mineral trade make its capture significant in the ongoing conflict involving the M23, which has expanded its territorial control since beginning its latest insurgency in late 2021.
In a broader political context, government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya condemned Rwanda’s actions, which he claims violate Congolese sovereignty and involve human rights abuses. The Congolese administration has consistently accused Rwanda of inciting instability in the region to exploit its natural resources, a charge that Rwanda denies vehemently.
President Félix Tshisekedi seeks to hold Rwanda accountable, advocating for sanctions against President Paul Kagame. However, President Kagame remains unyielding, emphasizing Rwanda’s security concerns, particularly regarding the threat posed by the FLDR rebel group, which comprises remnants associated with the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
At the heart of Bukavu, M23 troop leaders were seen interacting with locals and urging the military to surrender. One commander, Bernard Byamungu, criticized those in hiding and suggested that the Congolese military’s actions had led to local fears and rampant violence. The African Union has called for the disarmament of the M23, expressing concern over the possibility of an escalated regional conflict.
The situation in Bukavu marks a critical development in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, exemplifying the regional instability fueled by the M23 rebels and Rwandan influence. The Congolese government faces significant challenges in addressing the territorial and humanitarian crises resulting from recent events. International concerns regarding potential escalations are pronounced, highlighting the region’s complex dynamics and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
