M23 rebels have captured the airport serving Bukavu, moving closer to the city amid ongoing conflict and international calls for a ceasefire. The Congolese army faced minimal resistance in the battle for Kavumu airport. Hundreds of thousands are displaced, with growing fears among residents as they remain indoors. The situation will be addressed at an upcoming African Union summit in Ethiopia.
The M23 rebel group has made significant advances in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), capturing the airport that serves the strategic city of Bukavu amidst ongoing conflict. Despite international calls for a ceasefire and peace discussions, the rebels continue their offensive, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of individuals in recent weeks. Last month, M23, which has backing from the nearby nation of Rwanda, successfully took control of Goma, a major city in the mineral-rich eastern DRC.
In the conflict over the Kavumu airport, the Congolese army, along with allied militias, reportedly retreated with little resistance. The rebels are now positioned approximately 30 kilometers from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Jean Elekano, the deputy governor of South Kivu, informed the BBC that intense fighting has occurred between military forces and M23 on the outskirts of the city, though he affirmed that the army was still operational and combating the rebels.
Residents of Bukavu are expressing growing concerns and fears regarding the ongoing violence. Local authorities have advised civilians to remain indoors for their safety. This escalation of combat coincides with an upcoming African Union (AU) summit in Ethiopia, where leaders are expected to discuss strategies to stabilize the region and address associated humanitarian crises.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, head of the AU commission, emphasized the necessity for a ceasefire, stating that “military campaigns are not going to solve these problems.” He remarked on a collective effort across Africa to enforce this ceasefire as the situation worsens. Furthermore, allegations concerning Rwanda’s involvement in supporting M23 have surfaced, despite the Rwandan government denying such claims and asserting its need for security against threats from Hutu rebels based in the DRC. Congolese officials have accused Rwanda of illegally annexing portions of their territory rich in minerals.
In summary, the M23 rebel group’s recent capture of the airport near Bukavu marks a distressing development in the ongoing conflict in the DRC. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the situation remains tense, with significant displacements occurring. As regional leaders gather to discuss potential resolutions, continued military engagements raise concerns over stability and humanitarian impacts in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
