M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu, Escalating Conflict in DR Congo
M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have captured Bukavu, DR Congo’s second-largest city, prompting fears of wider conflict and humanitarian crises. Residents report chaos in the city as government forces retreat. The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of exploiting the region’s resources amid escalating violence.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s second-largest city. They seized the regional governor’s office in a march that met little resistance from local authorities. This marks the second city captured by the rebels in recent weeks, after Goma, in the mineral-rich eastern region. The Congolese government has acknowledged their takeover and urged residents to stay indoors to avoid potential violence from the occupying forces.
Residents are understandably frightened; one woman reported that children and youth have taken up arms, resulting in indiscriminate shooting and looting throughout the city. She observed that many cheer the M23 fighters, possibly out of fear of the lack of any governing authority. Reports of continued gunfire and chaos persist, with the M23 reinforcing its presence in the area.
The M23 captured Bukavu’s main airport and began advancing toward the city, which is located roughly 30 kilometers north. Congolese troops retreated to prevent urban combat, resulting in a power vacuum that has led to disorder, including a prison break. Humanitarian consequences also arose as the UN World Food Programme reported nearly 7,000 tonnes of food were looted from a warehouse.
Bukavu, a city of around two million residents, serves as a key transit hub near Rwanda, especially for the mineral trade. The M23’s territorial expansion since late 2021 represents a significant challenge for President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration. Spokesman Patrick Muyaya accused Rwanda of violating DR Congo’s sovereignty to exploit its rich natural resources.
President Tshisekedi has called for international sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has downplayed such threats, emphasizing Rwanda’s security concerns. Kagame claims the presence of the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) group poses a direct threat to Rwanda, recalling the group’s connection to the 1994 genocide.
On Sunday, M23 troops gathered in central Bukavu, led by commander Bernard Byamungu, who called for government forces to surrender. He accused the retreating military of fostering violence and chaos by arming local youths, inciting looting. The African Union, in response to the escalating situation, has urged the M23 to disarm and expressed concerns over the potential for a wider regional conflict.
The capture of Bukavu by M23 rebels illustrates the escalating conflict in eastern DR Congo, attributed to Rwandan support. With mounting violence and humanitarian distress, the Congolese government faces significant challenges. The situation remains fluid, with fears of regional implications as local populations continue to suffer from the turmoil.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
