M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu, Escalating Tension in DR Congo
M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have taken control of Bukavu in eastern DR Congo, marking the capture of the second major city after Goma. The Congolese government has urged residents to stay home to avoid conflict, while local fears of escalating violence and lawlessness grow. The situation raises alarms of a potential regional war as international bodies call for disarmament.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have captured Bukavu, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s second-largest city, along with the regional governor’s office. Celebratory crowds greeted the rebels as they entered the city without facing resistance, marking Bukavu as the second city lost to M23 in recent weeks, after Goma. The Congolese government has recognized the takeover, advising residents to remain at home to avoid conflict with the occupying forces.
The United Nations and European nations have expressed fears that this conflict, which has already displaced hundreds of thousands, could escalate into a larger regional war. In Bukavu, residents reported widespread insecurity, with one anonymous local stating, “The children and the youth took the weapons. They are shooting everywhere in all directions, they are looting.”
M23 fighters captured the main airport near Bukavu and advanced towards the city, prompting the withdrawal of Congolese troops to prevent urban conflict. This has caused security issues, including a reported prison break. The UN World Food Programme noted that approximately 7,000 tonnes of food was looted amidst the chaos.
Bukavu, which borders Rwanda and houses about two million residents, plays a vital role in the local mineral trade. The city’s fall signifies a significant territorial gain for M23, undermining the authority of President Félix Tshisekedi. Government representatives accuse Rwanda of undermining Congolese sovereignty to exploit natural resources, an allegation Rwanda strongly denies.
President Tshisekedi’s administration has pushed for sanctions against Rwanda, but Rwandan President Paul Kagame dismissed these claims, emphasizing Rwanda’s focus on its national security. Kagame is particularly concerned about the FLDR rebel group, which poses a perceived threat stemming from the historical context of the Rwandan genocide.
As M23 troops displayed power in Bukavu, their commander, Bernard Byamungu, was seen engaging with locals and urging government soldiers to surrender. The African Union has called on M23 to disarm, warning of the growing risk of a regional war. The situation remains tense as local and international actors assess the implications of this conflict.
The capture of Bukavu by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels represents a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. With the fall of this key city, concerns mount over security and humanitarian crises, amid accusations of Rwanda’s involvement in the destabilization of the region. International responses focus on avoiding a broader conflict, while local populations grapple with violence and lawlessness, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic solutions.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
