Panic and Displacement in Bukavu as Rwanda-Backed Rebels Advance

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are advancing towards Bukavu, causing widespread panic and displacement among residents. Despite some calm returning after gunfights ceased, reports of looting and violence emerged as Congolese troops retreated. The ongoing conflict raises concerns about regional stability and the humanitarian crisis affecting over 350,000 internally displaced individuals. Calls for ceasefire and international intervention are increasing amid chaos.

Panic engulfed Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo, as residents and soldiers fled in large numbers due to the approach of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. The situation worsened after M23 fighters reached the outskirts of Bukavu, leading to crowded streets filled with those trying to escape and looters taking advantage of the chaos. Although M23 had not established full control by Saturday, residents reported a stillness as gunfire abated after Congolese troops retreated south, creating an unsettling calm.

The escalating rebellion led by M23, fueled by Rwandan support, has resulted in significant loss of life and immense displacement among the civilian population in eastern Congo. The advance towards Bukavu poses serious risks for both local stability and international relations, with calls for an urgent ceasefire and a return to order intensifying amid reports of rampant looting and violence. The unfolding crisis necessitates a coordinated response from the Congolese government and the international community to prevent further deterioration.

Original Source: www.pbs.org