M23 Rebels Enter Bukavu Amid Escalating Conflict in DRC
M23 rebels have entered Bukavu, a strategic city in eastern DRC, following the capture of Goma. Governor Purusi confirmed troops withdrew to avoid urban fighting. Rwandan soldiers are reportedly present. Despite chaos, some residents welcomed the rebels, seeking change. The situation escalates amid an African Union summit focused on regional security and DRC’s sovereignty.
M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). According to South Kivu province governor Jean-Jacques Purusi, Congolese troops withdrew to prevent urban conflict. This advance follows the group’s recent capture of Goma, marking a notable increase in territorial control during the ongoing rebellion that began in 2022.
The DRC government confirmed the rebels’ presence in Bukavu and acknowledged the involvement of Rwandan troops, although it stopped short of declaring the city completely under M23 control. The government denounced Rwanda’s actions, asserting, “Rwanda is stubbornly pursuing its plan to occupy, pillage and commit crimes and serious human rights violations on our soil.” Local officials and security sources corroborated sightings of M23 fighters within the city.
Willy Ngoma, a spokesperson for M23, proclaimed they had established a foothold in Bukavu. Reports indicated that the senior commander of the rebels actively engaged with locals, assuring them of the group’s control following the Congolese army’s retreat. Despite initial chaos with significant looting, reports of emerging calm were noted following their entry.
Witnesses described the aftermath of violence, including a tragic account from resident Claude Bisimwa, who transported the bodies of two men killed by gunfire. Meanwhile, many Bukavu residents expressed approval of the M23 presence, stating, “You’re the ones we’ve been waiting for. We need change in this country. We want work.”
The rebels previously took control of Kavumu Airport, crucial for access to Bukavu, facing minimal resistance in their advance. This situation unfolds amid an African Union summit addressing escalating conflicts across the region. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the necessity of maintaining DRC’s territorial integrity, while the UK Foreign Office condemned the incursion as a breach of international regulations.
Rwanda continues to deny military support to M23, despite accusations of providing assistance, and claims that hardline Hutu groups pose a security threat. A UN report from the previous year stated Rwanda retained approximately 4,000 soldiers within DRC, allegedly exerting control over M23 operations. The presence of over 100 armed factions in eastern DRC largely complicates the humanitarian landscape, with current fighting resulting in the displacement of over six million individuals and creating one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises.
The entry of M23 rebels into Bukavu highlights the ongoing turmoil in the DRC, exacerbated by external influences, particularly from Rwanda. The situation poses substantial challenges to regional stability, humanitarian conditions, and DRC’s sovereignty. The international community, including the United Nations and African Union, faces mounting pressure to facilitate a peaceful resolution as conflict continues to displace millions and deepen the crisis.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
