Insecurity and Unrest in Bukavu: A Growing Humanitarian Crisis

This article discusses the escalating insecurity in Bukavu, DR Congo, due to M23 rebel control and ongoing violence. Local reports indicate nightly violence, including murders and large-scale looting. Communities are suffering from fear, economic struggles, and suppression of independent journalism, leading to a pervasive atmosphere of sadness.

The situation in Bukavu, a city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, is dire. Local church sources report that every night, three to four bodies are discovered on the streets, a grim reality exacerbated since the M23 rebel movement seized control in February. Criminal gangs operate in the area, committing thefts but avoiding murder. However, larger scale looting is attributed to the M23 and its allies, with significant incidents reported, such as bank robberies and mineral thefts.

The chaos in Bukavu intensified prior to the official entry of the M23 on February 16, with looting reported on February 14 and devastation in the Kadutu market the following day. The scale of looting remains alarming, exemplified by an incident where armed men stole 34 barrels of cassiterite, tying up and abusing guards in the process. Local authorities have called for reports of thefts, raising skepticism among the populace about the effectiveness of such measures.

When citizens report attacks, M23 soldiers allegedly respond with violence, indiscriminately firing on individuals in the vicinity. The Red Cross has had to assist by burying victims of recent attacks, while the new authorities provide minimal financial compensation to grieving families, citing the costs of warfare. The insecurity has paralyzed social life, with schools remaining closed due to parental fears and families struggling with financial burdens. Furthermore, journalists face severe constraints, as they are expected to promote the occupiers’ narrative and avoid discussing the realities of occupation.

A pervasive sadness has settled over the community, contrasting starkly with the typically vibrant spirit of the Congolese people. The implications of ongoing violence and control by the M23 have created an atmosphere of fear and despair in Bukavu, raising urgent questions about the future of the city and its residents.

The state of insecurity in Bukavu reflects a severe humanitarian crisis, marked by nightly violence and pervasive theft under M23 control. The local populace faces significant challenges, including fear for their safety, economic hardship, and limited freedom of expression. Continued international attention and intervention may be critical in addressing the complex issues arising from this conflict.

Original Source: www.fides.org