M23 rebels have captured the airport serving Bukavu in the DRC as they advance despite international calls for peace. The Congolese army has withdrawn, leading to panic among local residents. The situation escalates as leaders prepare for an African Union summit, where the need for a ceasefire is emphasized amidst accusations against Rwanda for supporting the rebels.
M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have taken control of the airport serving Bukavu, marking a significant advancement despite ongoing international calls for a ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations. This situation has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of individuals amid the rebels’ progress. Last month, the M23, reportedly supported by Rwanda, captured Goma, a critical city in the mineral-rich eastern region.
During the recent conflict for the airport located in Kavumu, the Congolese army and its allied militia retreated with minimal resistance. The current rebel forces are now approximately 30 kilometers from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Deputy Governor Jean Elekano has informed the BBC of significant clashes on the city’s outskirts, yet asserted that the army remains in control and is actively resisting.
Residents in Bukavu have expressed increasing panic as authorities urge them to stay indoors amidst the tense situation. This latest military advance coincides with an African Union (AU) summit scheduled in Ethiopia, where efforts to address the conflict are being discussed. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the head of the AU commission, emphasized that the potential for a ceasefire must be respected, stating that military action will not resolve these complex issues.
Rwanda has been accused of backing the M23 rebels and is alleged to have deployed its own troops within eastern DRC, although it denies these accusations. President Paul Kagame of Rwanda has prioritized national security, citing threats from Hutu rebels operating in DRC, while dismissing the possibility of sanctions. Furthermore, the DRC government has accused Rwanda of unlawfully annexing substantial portions of its mineral-rich territory.
The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains tense as M23 rebels capture strategic locations, including the airport in Bukavu, despite international calls for ceasefire. The ongoing conflict has led to significant displacement among civilians and heightened fears within the community. The involvement of Rwanda adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as leaders discuss potential resolutions at an African Union summit.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
