M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu, Heightening Tensions in DR Congo

Bukavu has fallen to Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, marking a significant victory for the insurgent group after they previously captured Goma. The local population is experiencing fear and chaos, as the Congolese government acknowledges the rebel takeover. The situation poses a risk of escalating into a regional conflict, drawing international concern and calls for disarmament and stability.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have invaded Bukavu, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s second-largest city, taking control of the regional governor’s office. Residents greeted the fighters positively as they entered the city without facing any opposition. This takeover follows shortly after the rebels captured Goma, further destabilizing the mineral-rich region, which has witnessed significant upheaval recently.

In response to the situation, the Congolese government has acknowledged the fall of Bukavu and urged residents to remain indoors to avoid conflict with the invading forces. Numerous countries and the United Nations have expressed concerns that this conflict could escalate into a wider regional war, leading to extensive displacements of people.

A resident from Bukavu reported anxiety among the populace as children and young adults took arms and engaged in chaotic behavior such as looting. The resident articulated fear regarding ongoing gunfire and the absence of authority in the city since the rebels’ arrival, reflecting overwhelming apprehension amongst the citizens.

On their advance, M23 rebels seized Bukavu’s main airport and proceeded toward the city center, confirming their dominance by the provincial governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki. The Congolese military withdrew to prevent urban combat, which resulted in a security vacuum and chaotic scenes, including disturbances at the central prison and widespread looting.

The World Food Programme reported that a warehouse containing nearly 7,000 tonnes of food was looted amidst the unrest. With a population of approximately two million, Bukavu is strategically located near Rwanda and serves as a key transit point for local minerals, marking a significant territorial gain for the M23 rebels since their resurgence in late 2021.

Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya has accused Rwanda of violating Congolese sovereignty through aggressive actions and human rights violations and conveyed dissatisfaction regarding Rwanda’s continued chaos in the region. President Félix Tshisekedi expressed his desire for international sanctions against Rwandan leadership, although Rwandan President Paul Kagame has rebuffed these threats, citing national security concerns as his primary focus.

President Kagame has been critical of the Congolese government’s inability to manage the FDLR rebel group, which poses a threat to Rwanda’s safety. Meanwhile, M23 forces have consolidated control around Bukavu, with commander Bernard Byamungu appealing to the government military personnel to surrender while criticizing them for exacerbating local violence.

The African Union (AU) has reiterated calls for the M23 rebels to disarm amidst concerns over a potential regional conflict. AU Peace and Security Commissioner Bankole Adeo emphasized the collective anxiety regarding an open regional war, highlighting the urgent need for resolution in the area.

The recent seizure of Bukavu by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels signifies a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The local response to their presence reflects a mixture of fear and reluctant acceptance. The international community remains alarmed by the potential for this situation to exacerbate regional tensions and lead to broader instability. Urgent calls for disarmament and diplomatic resolution highlight the precarious balance in the region that must be addressed to prevent further escalation.

Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk