M23 Rebels Capture DRC’s Strategic City Bukavu Amid Ongoing Conflict

M23 rebels backed by Rwanda have captured Bukavu, the DRC’s second-largest city, after taking Goma earlier this year. The Congolese army withdrew to prevent urban conflict, while the local government condemned Rwanda for its alleged military involvement. Residents reacted with a mix of fear and support, as the humanitarian crisis deepens with significant displacement.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), after a swift advance in the region. Jean-Jacques Purusi, the governor of South Kivu province, confirmed this development, stating that Congolese troops withdrew to prevent urban combat. The M23 has expanded its territorial control significantly since capturing Goma in late January 2022.

The DRC government has acknowledged the presence of M23 rebels in Bukavu, indicating that Rwandan forces are also involved. However, they have not confirmed that the entire city is under the rebels’ control. The government accused Rwanda of pursuing a strategy in the DRC that includes occupation, looting, and committing serious human rights abuses.

Reports from local officials and witnesses verify the rebels’ presence in the city, which was in chaos due to looting and panic among residents. A senior M23 commander was seen engaging with locals, assuring them of the new control over the area, a sentiment echoed by M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma as he confirmed their presence in Bukavu.

Following their advance, M23 took control of Kavumu Airport, facing little resistance as they approached the city. This airport was the last significant obstacle before reaching Bukavu, where the rebel group is encountering both support and fear from the local populace. Some residents cheered the M23 rebels, expressing a desire for change in their country.

UN Chief Antonio Guterres, at the ongoing African Union summit, highlighted the need to avoid regional escalation and emphasized maintaining the DRC’s territorial integrity. The UK Foreign Office condemned the entrance of M23 and Rwandan forces into Bukavu as a violation of DRC sovereignty and called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and a return to dialogue.

The entry of M23 rebels into Bukavu marks a significant escalation in the conflict in the DRC, following their recent capture of Goma and Kavumu Airport. The presence of Rwandan troops alongside the rebels raises concerns over sovereignty and human rights violations. The situation has prompted international calls for a cessation of hostilities and a focus on dialogue over military solutions to the ongoing crisis.

Original Source: www.aljazeera.com