Insecurity and Lawlessness in Bukavu Amidst M23 Occupation

In Bukavu, South Kivu, insecurity has intensified under the M23 rebel movement, with nightly discoveries of bodies and rampant looting. The local community suffers from fear, suspended education, and media censorship, reflecting a dire socio-political crisis.

In Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, insecurity is rampant. Local church sources report that every night, three to four bodies are discovered on the streets, alongside others surfacing from the lake. The region, recently overtaken by the M23 rebel movement, is now dominated by criminal gangs and a pervasive lawlessness where violent thefts occur frequently.

The M23 and its allies are responsible for major looting incidents, such as bank robberies and the theft of cassiterite deposits. Notably, before the M23 officially entered the city on February 16, looting occurred as armed youth seized weapons left behind by fleeing Congolese soldiers. Their entry was marked by widespread devastation, specifically in the Kadutu market, with significant looting happening just before their takeover.

Recent reports highlight systematic large-scale looting orchestrated by M23 forces. During an event on February 27-28, armed thieves stole and transported cassiterite barrels in the Nguba district, using violence against guards. Despite calls for the community to report such activities, confidence is low, as locals face brutal reprisals from M23 soldiers when they attempt to seek help.

Daily life in Bukavu is severely hampered; normal transportation is disrupted, and residents are unable to attend schools due to insecurity. Parents fear for their children’s safety and struggle financially, unable to pay school fees or teachers’ salaries. Meanwhile, media outlets are restricted from reporting freely, having been instructed to present a narrative favorable to the occupying forces.

Overall, a pervasive sense of sadness clouds Bukavu, contrasting with the typically vibrant spirit of Congolese culture, as the community grapples with the trauma of violence and oppression.

The situation in Bukavu epitomizes severe insecurity, with rising violence orchestrated by the M23 rebel movement leading to night-time discoveries of bodies and rampant looting. Daily life is paralyzed, educational institutions are closed, and media outlets are coerced into promoting a government narrative. This atmosphere of fear and oppression is deeply unsettling for the community, highlighting the urgent need for intervention and support.

Original Source: www.fides.org