M23 rebels backed by Rwanda have seized Bukavu, marking their second major city takeover in the DRC. The Congo River Alliance claims it aims to restore security after the old regime. The Congolese government acknowledged the occupation, while local authorities indicated a need for assistance. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, with significant displacement and casualties reported.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have successfully seized their second significant city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23, announced its intention to assist the residents of Bukavu in addressing ongoing security issues left unresolved by the previous government. Alliance spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka emphasized their commitment to restoring security and protection for the local population and their property, aiming to gain community support.
M23 official Bernard Maheshe Byamungu, previously sanctioned by the UN for human rights violations, characterized the living conditions of residents as being akin to a ‘jungle.’ He asserted that their objective is to rectify the disorder created by the old regime. In a public acknowledgment, the Congolese government confirmed the occupation of Bukavu, pledging to restore order and territorial integrity in the region.
The Governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi, disclosed that Congolese troops retreated to prevent conflict in populated areas, indicating that M23 forces had already entered his residence. The situation escalated quickly as M23 took control of key strategic locations, including Kavumu airport, essential for the Congolese military operations.
Civil society sources indicated that Bukavu could no longer withstand the occupation, and local resident Blaise Byamungu criticized the government’s inaction in the face of the takeover. The M23 rebels, who are one of more than 100 armed groups in Eastern DRC, have been advancing southward since seizing Goma, the largest eastern DRC city earlier in January.
Despite announcing a ceasefire earlier this month and claiming no intention to conquer Bukavu, the M23 rebels have displaced over six million individuals, contributing to the world’s most significant humanitarian crisis. The UN reports indicate a staggering death toll of nearly 3,000, highlighting the destructive impact of the conflict on the region’s population.
Rwanda has been accused of reinforcing the M23 with approximately 4,000 troops. However, the Rwandan government refutes these claims, framing the conflict as a defensive measure for ethnic Tutsis against Hutu forces, a narrative linked to the historical genocide in Rwanda.
The recent occupation of Bukavu by M23 rebels marks a significant escalation in the conflict within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. With ongoing humanitarian crises and substantial territorial gains by the rebel group, international attention and intervention may become increasingly necessary. The situation remains precarious as the Congolese government struggles to regain control and ensure the safety of its citizens.
Original Source: news.sky.com
