Violence erupted at a recent rebel rally in Bukavu, DR Congo, causing significant casualties among attendees. The rally was the first since the rebels captured the city, sparking accusations between the government and the rebels. The conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, with calls for a ceasefire from international bodies and concerns about Rwandan troop involvement.
Gunfire and explosions erupted at a rally organized by rebels in Bukavu, a city recently seized in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Videos from the event showed chaotic scenes as attendees fled in panic, with reports stating that at least 11 individuals were killed and approximately 60 wounded. This rally marked the first public appearance of the Rwanda-backed rebels in Bukavu following their rapid territorial gains earlier this month.
But tensions escalated as the rebels accused President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration of orchestrating the violence, while Tshisekedi attributed the attack to a “foreign army” operating in the eastern region. The rally had featured remarks by Corneille Nangaa, leader of the coalition of rebel factions, which includes the M23 group, who assured attendees of the rebels’ plan to enhance security in the city.
Nangaa and fellow rebel leader Bertrand Bisimwa reportedly left the event before the violence began at Bukavu’s main square. Following the incident, Nangaa confirmed that two suspects had been detained, while authorities continued to search for others involved. He condemned the attack as a “cowardly and barbaric act” that would not go unpunished.
The fighting in eastern DR Congo has resulted in the displacement of approximately 500,000 residents, aggravating the existing humanitarian crisis, as stated by the United Nations. Both the African Union and the UN have advocated for a ceasefire and for the rebels to retreat from the territories they currently occupy, prompting a critical need for de-escalation in the region.
Rwanda, which had previously denied support for the M23 rebels, has shifted its stance, now asserting that the ongoing conflict near its border poses a threat to national security. UN experts estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops remain in eastern DR Congo, highlighting the complexities of the regional security situation.
In summary, the recent rebel rally in Bukavu turned violent amidst accusations exchanged between the rebels and the Congolese government. The ongoing conflict continues to exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the region, necessitating international intervention and a ceasefire. The involvement of Rwandan forces suggests deeper regional implications that warrant attention from global leaders and organizations.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
