The city of Bukavu in eastern Congo experienced mass panic as M23 rebels advanced, leading to thousands fleeing amid looting and chaos. Although full control has not been established by the rebels, significant unrest has followed their approach. International leaders are calling for a ceasefire and a return of order as fears of escalation in the region grow amidst ongoing violence.
GOMA, Congo (AP) — On Saturday, panic engulfed Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo, causing thousands of residents and soldiers to flee in response to the advance of Rwanda-backed rebels, M23. As the group entered the city’s outskirts, many streets became chaotic with looters and civilians desperately trying to escape, leading to an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty as the city braced for impending conflict.
Although M23 fighters had approached Bukavu, they did not yet assume full control. The day following their entrance, fighting subsided, providing a brief reprieve as Congolese troops withdrew from the city. Resident Alexis Bisimwa noted that the sounds of gunfire had momentarily ceased, providing a brief measure of calm as they awaited further developments.
Witnesses described disturbing scenes within the city, such as burnt corpses left in the streets, suggesting casualties resulted from chaotic looting. A resident fleeing the area observed that looters ignited ammunition left behind by departing soldiers. Reports indicated widespread pillaging, while electricity and communications remained operational, highlighting the region’s dire circumstances.
The Congo River Alliance, including M23, attributed the turmoil to the actions of Congolese troops and associated militias. Spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka urged residents to manage their city and resist succumbing to panic, emphasizing the need for collective action to restore order amid the chaos.
The rebellion’s momentum threatens to destabilize the central government in Kinshasa, as M23 continues to expand its territorial gains in eastern Congo. With nearly 3,000 casualties reported and hundreds of thousands displaced, the situation has garnered attention from international leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, who called for an immediate ceasefire and a withdrawal of M23 forces.
On Friday, reports emerged of M23 capturing the airport serving Bukavu, creating additional uncertainty regarding control within the region. The airport is vital for supplying troops, and government officials have accused the rebels of violating ceasefire agreements and threatening urban safety in Bukavu. The pattern of troop abandonment observed before M23’s prior capture of Goma appears to be repeating.
Concerns regarding potential regional escalation have grown, particularly emphasized by U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres at the African Union summit. While he stressed the importance of respecting Congo’s sovereignty, the international community’s response to the ongoing conflict remains relatively subdued, with differing opinions on how best to address the instability.
The situation in eastern Congo continues to deteriorate as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advance towards Bukavu, instigating mass panic and disorder among the residents. While the rebels have not fully taken control, their presence has led to significant casualties and widespread looting. International calls for a ceasefire have emerged, but the response remains uncoordinated, raising concerns about the conflict’s potential regional implications. The international community must work collectively to address the crisis and restore stability.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
