M23 rebels have captured the Kavumu airport near Bukavu in DR Congo amid ongoing conflict, causing local displacement. The Congolese military withdrew with minimal resistance as the rebels advanced. Local residents are increasingly alarmed, and international calls for a ceasefire persist, with tensions rising over Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict.
M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) seized the airport serving the strategic city of Bukavu amid their ongoing offensive. Despite international demands for a ceasefire and peace negotiations, the rebels’ advance has resulted in significant displacement of the local population over recent weeks. Last month, the M23 captured Goma, the principal city in the mineral-rich eastern region, further escalating tensions.
During the recent skirmish for the Kavumu airport, the Congolese military and allied militias retreated with little resistance. Currently, the rebels are approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Deputy Governor Jean Elekano stated that while heavy clashes have occurred on the city’s outskirts, the military still maintains control and is actively resisting.
Residents of Bukavu have reported escalating fear and anxiety, prompting local authorities to advise them to stay indoors amidst the turmoil. This uptick in conflict coincides with an African Union (AU) summit in Ethiopia, where leaders have been urged to prioritize peace.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, head of the AU commission, emphasized the necessity for a ceasefire, asserting that “military campaigns are not going to solve these problems.” He expressed hope for a continental mobilization to enforce peace. Meanwhile, Rwanda, accused of providing support to M23, has denied these allegations amidst claims of its troops operating in eastern DR Congo.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has highlighted security as his country’s priority, citing threats from Hutu rebels in the DR Congo, and has dismissed the possibility of sanctions. Conversely, the Congolese government accuses Rwanda of unlawfully annexing vast sections of mineral-rich land, intensifying diplomatic strains between the two nations.
The M23 rebels’ recent capture of Kavumu airport represents a marked escalation in the ongoing conflict in DR Congo, sparking widespread fear among Bukavu residents and resulting in significant displacement. As calls for a ceasefire continue, the role of Rwanda in the conflict remains controversial, raising concerns for regional stability. The situation necessitates urgent attention from both local authorities and international stakeholders to promote peace and security within the affected regions.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
