M23 rebels have taken control of Bukavu, DR Congo’s second-largest city, following the capture of Goma. Residents have experienced fear due to violence and looting amid the takeover, prompting the Congolese government to advise citizens to stay home. The situation has raised concerns from the UN and other international organizations regarding the risk of wider regional conflict.
Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), has fallen to Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who have taken control of the regional governor’s office. This marks the second major city captured by the rebels after Goma in recent weeks, resulting in chaotic scenes in the city, including a prison break. Residents observed the rebel fighters being welcomed by some citizens, amidst a backdrop of fear and violence in the streets.
The Congolese government has confirmed the loss of Bukavu and advised residents to remain indoors to avoid confrontations with the occupying forces. The ongoing offensive has displaced hundreds of thousands of people and raised concerns from organizations such as the UN and European nations regarding the potential for a broader regional conflict. A local resident expressed trepidation as armed youth engaged in widespread looting following the rebels’ entry.
M23 rebels captured Bukavu’s main airport before advancing into the city, prompting Congolese troops to withdraw to prevent urban combat. The provincial governor acknowledged the rebels’ presence in the city center and informed that local troops had retreated. Amid this volatility, the UN World Food Programme reported the looting of a warehouse containing nearly 7,000 tonnes of food supplies.
The fall of Bukavu, a city of approximately two million residents and a critical hub for the mineral trade, signifies a sizeable territorial gain for the M23 since their resurgence in late 2021. The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of violating its sovereignty and promoting human rights abuses, asserting that the chaos is intended to facilitate resource extraction.
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi is seeking sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame for the unrest. In contrast, President Kagame has maintained that Rwanda’s security is paramount, criticizing the Congolese authorities for their ineffectiveness against the FLDR rebel group, which poses a perceived threat to Rwanda’s stability. The FLDR comprises members associated with the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Recently, M23 troops were seen gathering in central Bukavu, where Commander Bernard Byamungu engaged with local citizens. He called for the surrender of government forces and accused them of fostering terror by arming local youths, leading to increased violence and looting. The African Union, amidst its heads of state summit in Ethiopia, has reiterated calls for the M23 to disarm and expressed grave concern over the potential for regional warfare.
The situation in Bukavu highlights a significant escalation in the conflict involving M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, resulting in significant territorial gains and humanitarian crises. With calls for disarmament and international concern over a potential broader war, the urgency for a diplomatic resolution is clear. The Congolese government’s accusations against Rwanda further complicate the regional dynamics, calling for close monitoring by international bodies.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
