M23 rebels have captured the airport near Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, advancing despite calls for a ceasefire. This conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands, with the rebels now 30 km from Bukavu. Local authorities are advising residents to stay indoors as fighting continues, raising alarm among civilians. The African Union is set to discuss these developments amidst regional tensions over Rwandan involvement in the conflict.
M23 rebels have seized the airport serving Bukavu, a key city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, continuing their military advance despite international calls for a ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations. This latest development has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people in recent weeks, leading to a humanitarian crisis in the region.
Previously, the M23, which is allegedly supported by Rwanda, took control of Goma, the main city in the mineral-rich eastern region. During the recent conflict for the airport located in Kavumu, the Congolese army and their allied militia retreated with little resistance, raising concerns over the effectiveness of the government forces.
The M23 rebels are reportedly now only 30 kilometers from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, where heavy fighting has occurred between the army and rebels on the city’s outskirts. Deputy governor Jean Elekano of Bukavu informed the BBC that the army remains engaged in the conflict but faces growing challenges.
Amidst the escalating situation, residents of Bukavu have expressed increasing panic and fear, with local authorities advising them to remain indoors for safety. As this unfolds, the continent’s leaders are set to convene at an African Union summit in Ethiopia to discuss the crisis.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, the head of the African Union commission, stated that a ceasefire must be enforced, asserting that military actions will not resolve the ongoing issues. He emphasized the need for a collective African approach to establish peace in the region. Meanwhile, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has claimed that his country’s focus is on national security, citing threats from Hutu rebels based in the DRC, despite accusations of Rwanda illegally supporting the M23 rebels.
The situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains dire as M23 rebels capture key locations, including the airport serving Bukavu, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis by displacing many. International pleas for a ceasefire are yet to be heeded, and local populations are experiencing increasing fear for their safety. Meetings at the African Union aim to address the conflict amid allegations against Rwanda regarding its role in the unrest.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
