M23 Claims Deadly Attack in Bukavu, Accusing Foreign Military Involvement
An attack by M23 in Bukavu, DR Congo, left eleven dead and several injured, using grenades resembling those of the Burundian military. The Burundian military denied involvement, attributing the violence to assailants. Eyewitness reports suggest significant chaos during the incident, with the Congolese government blaming foreign forces while M23 holds Tshisekedi accountable for the violence encountered.
The M23 rebel group alleged that an attack in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulted in the deaths of eleven individuals using grenades similar to those employed by the Burundian military. The incident occurred during a large assembly intended to hear from the head of the AfC/M23 faction controlling the city. M23 claimed that grenade explosions were responsible for the assault, which led to injuries to at least sixteen others.
Following the attack, Gaspard Baratuza, spokesperson for the Burundian military, firmly denied any involvement, dismissing the event as the violent actions of assailants and asserting that no Burundian forces were present in Bukavu. Two individuals involved in the assault were captured and deemed “terrorists” targeting civilians.
Corneille Nangaa reported that initial estimates indicated eleven fatalities, including one woman and multiple severe injuries, with survivors receiving medical attention in local hospitals. He noted that one of those killed was implicated in the attack. M23 attributed blame for the strike to the Tshisekedi administration, whereas the government claimed that foreign troops were responsible.
A journalist monitoring the assembly cited that over ten thousand people had gathered at the event, and they reported hearing multiple explosions that led to mass chaos and panic. Eyewitnesses indicated more than five deceased and numerous injured in the aftermath, and the true extent of casualties remains uncertain.
Bertrand Bisimwa, Nangaa’s deputy, labeled the incident as “murder” orchestrated by the Tshisekedi regime, alleging a premeditated plan against crowds expected to attend the meeting. In response to the tragedy, President Félix Tshisekedi expressed condolences to the bereaved families and condemned the attack as an act of terrorism by unauthorized foreign forces.
The Congolese government’s stance accuses Rwandan troops of aggression through the M23, a claim denied by Kigali authorities. The explosion occurred while the meeting was concluding, with harrowing visuals circulating on social media revealing both casualties and injured individuals. At the assembly, Nangaa vowed to maintain M23’s hold on Uvira, announcing forthcoming governmental changes in the Kivu region known to be under M23’s control.
The recent attack in Bukavu by the M23 group has resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, escalating tensions in the region. The conflicting narratives between M23 and the Burundian government raise significant concerns regarding accountability and the ramifications of foreign military involvement. As investigations continue, the important political implications for the DRC and regional stability must be addressed.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
