M23 fighters and Rwandan troops have taken control of Bukavu, DR Congo, with little resistance, alarming President Tshisekedi, who accused Rwanda of expansionism. The humanitarian crisis worsens as fighting continues, prompting calls for a ceasefire as over 3,000 people have died in recent violence.
M23 fighters, alongside Rwandan troops, have reportedly entered Bukavu, the provincial capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with minimal resistance. The armed group seized control of the main airport in the eastern city, which is home to approximately one million residents. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi condemned Rwanda’s actions, accusing it of pursuing expansionist ambitions in the resource-rich region and supporting the M23 rebels.
As the conflict escalates, Tshisekedi announced his decision to forgo attendance at an African Union summit to closely monitor the situation. Amid rising tensions, shops have closed, and many frightened residents are fleeing Bukavu. Civil organizations have appealed to Congolese forces to avoid engaging in combat within the city.
The surge in violence raises concerns about a potential wider regional conflict, with several neighboring countries already having military personnel on the ground. Bukavu had fallen under the control of defecting soldiers in the past, and its recent capture strengthens M23’s influence over the significant Lake Kivu area, bordering Rwanda. As African leaders call for an immediate ceasefire, UN reports indicate nearly 3,000 fatalities from the escalating violence.
Outgoing chair of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, emphasized the need for military campaigns to cease, advocating for a harmonious resolution to the ongoing crisis. However, Tshisekedi accused Rwanda of culpability in the escalation of hostilities and called for international sanctions against Kigali, stating, “What’s needed is to blacklist the real culprit of this situation: Rwanda.”
Kinshasa holds that Rwanda aims to exploit the vast natural resources of the DRC region, a claim that Rwanda has denied, citing security threats from armed groups, particularly the FDLR. Tensions have resulted in diplomatic repercussions, with both nations recalling ambassadors and the DRC closing its airspace to Rwandan aircraft.
The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate amid the violence, with infrastructure targeting complicating aid efforts. Regions affected are experiencing severe shortages of essential resources. The UN has raised alarms about potential cholera outbreaks as displaced persons crowd into makeshift camps. Additionally, Burundi has briefly closed borders to Congolese refugees from Goma and Bukavu due to overwhelmed local resources.
The situation in Bukavu represents a significant escalation in the conflict involving M23 fighters, Rwandan troops, and the Congolese government. President Tshisekedi’s condemnation of Rwanda’s actions highlights the regional tensions surrounding resource control. Calls for ceasefire and international intervention emphasize the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions to prevent further violence and humanitarian crises as thousands flee the area amidst escalating hostilities.
Original Source: www.montanarightnow.com
