M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu in DR Congo Amid Escalating Conflict

M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have taken control of Bukavu, a major city in eastern DR Congo, following their earlier capture of Goma. This marks a significant territorial expansion for the group since late 2021, contributing to fears of larger regional warfare. The Congolese government has acknowledged the crisis and advised residents to remain indoors, amid reports of widespread chaos and looting.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have successfully advanced into Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), capturing the regional governor’s office. Residents greeted the rebels with applause as they entered the city center, a situation that arose without any significant resistance. Bukavu follows Goma as the second city to succumb to the M23’s advances amid escalating conflict in the mineral-rich area over recent weeks.

The Congolese government has acknowledged the situation, advising residents to remain indoors to avoid confrontation with the occupying forces. Meanwhile, the United Nations and European nations have expressed concerns that the ongoing offensive could incite a broader regional conflict, displacing hundreds of thousands in the process.

Local residents report enduring fear, with gunfire continuing in the city, as armed youths erupt across the streets. One anonymous resident indicated that fears are high following the M23’s entry into the city, noting, “The children and the youth took the weapons. They are shooting everywhere in all directions, they are looting.”

Recently, the M23 also seized Bukavu’s main airport, situated approximately 30 kilometers away. The governor of South Kivu, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, confirmed that Congolese forces withdrew to prevent urban combat, leading to a security void that has resulted in chaos, including a reported prison break.

In the midst of the upheaval, a warehouse containing nearly 7,000 tons of food was reportedly looted. The capture of Bukavu, a significant city with a population of around two million and an important hub for mineral trade, signifies a major territorial gain for the M23 since the resurgence of hostilities in late 2021. This situation poses a severe challenge for the government of President Félix Tshisekedi.

Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya has accused Rwanda of violating DR Congo’s sovereignty through its expansionist aims and human rights violations. The Congolese authority alleges that Rwanda is facilitating turmoil in the region to exploit its resources, a claim that Kigali refutes.

President Tshisekedi is pressing for sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame in response to the escalating crisis. However, President Kagame has rejected such threats, emphasizing Rwanda’s prioritization of national security amidst perceived threats from the FLDR rebel group, which he deems a danger to his nation.

As the M23 gathers strength in Bukavu, one of its commanders, Bernard Byamungu, was observed engaging with locals and calling on government forces to surrender. “We are all very, very concerned about an open regional war,” remarked Bankole Adeo, the African Union’s peace and security commissioner, amidst calls for disarmament of the M23.

The seizure of Bukavu by the M23 rebels marks a critical development in the ongoing crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This event has raised alarms over potential wider conflict in the region, prompting international appeals for caution. The situation remains precarious, with local populations experiencing severe instability and insecurity amidst the violent confrontations.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk