Severe Insecurity in Bukavu: Urgent Call for Attention Amidst Crisis

In Bukavu, South Kivu, insecurity has drastically increased since the M23 rebel movement’s takeover, with bodies frequently found on the streets. Criminal gangs are active, but the main looting is perpetrated by the M23. Schools are closed due to fear, and the local populace is left in despair, underscoring a need for immediate action to address these escalating crises.

In Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, insecurity is alarmingly high, with reports of three to four bodies found on the streets each night. According to local church sources, criminal gangs are prevalent, although they primarily engage in theft rather than murder. In contrast, the M23 rebel movement executes major looting activities unchallenged, including the robbery of a bank and various mining deposits.

Notably, the looting intensified with the M23’s entry into the city, which was marked by rampant destruction on February 15, 2025. Reports indicate that the actions of the M23 were premeditated and prompted by the disarray following the retreat of the Congolese Army (FARDC). The military’s lack of control led to significant criminal activity just prior to the official takeover.

A shocking incident occurred on February 27-28, where 34 sealed barrels of cassiterite were stolen in the Nguba district. Armed gangs abducted and brutalized security personnel during this event, highlighting the prevailing lawlessness. Vulnerable citizens feel disillusioned, questioning the authorities’ effectiveness, especially since calls for assistance from M23 forces often result in indiscriminate violence against the populace.

The repercussions of this turmoil have severely disrupted daily life in Bukavu. Schools remain closed as fearful parents hesitate to allow their children outside; families struggle to manage living costs amidst economic decline, including tuition fees for schools. Additionally, journalists find themselves under strict orders to propagate the M23 narrative, diminishing freedom of the press.

The overarching atmosphere in Bukavu is one of desolation. Citizens exhibit a pervasive sadness, contrasting sharply with the typically resilient spirit of the Congolese people, as they navigate the dire socioeconomic conditions brought on by the current crisis.

The situation in Bukavu underscores an urgent humanitarian crisis driven by rampant violence, looting, and socio-economic collapse. With criminal gangs operating with impunity and the M23’s severe influence, the community grapples with significant fear and despair. The persistent loss of life and the breakdown of social structures highlight the pressing need for international attention and intervention in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Original Source: www.fides.org