The M23 rebels have captured Bukavu’s airport amid an ongoing offensive, displacing hundreds of thousands. Despite international calls for peace, the rebels have advanced significantly, with fighting reported near the city. The situation has prompted panic among residents as political leaders prepare for an AU summit.
M23 rebels in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo have successfully captured the airport serving the critical city of Bukavu, signaling an ongoing aggressive advance. This advancement occurs amid international calls for a ceasefire and a reinitiation of peace talks, which have yet to yield results, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of individuals over the recent weeks. Previously, last month saw the M23 seize Goma, the principal city in this mineral-rich area.
The fighting for control of the airport, located in Kavumu, saw minimal resistance from the Congolese army and its allied militia, which withdrew without significant engagement. Currently, the rebels are positioned approximately 30 kilometers from Bukavu, which serves as the capital of the South Kivu province. According to Jean Elekano, the deputy governor of Bukavu, there has been intense fighting along the city’s outskirts, with the army reportedly still maintaining control and actively countering the advance.
Residents of Bukavu have expressed growing panic and fear as the conflict escalates. Authorities have advised residents to remain indoors amid these troubling developments. The tension arises concurrently with an imminent African Union summit in Ethiopia, where leaders from across the continent will convene to discuss pressing issues, including this conflict.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, the head of the African Union Commission, emphasized the necessity for a ceasefire, stating that “military campaigns are not going to solve these problems.” Meanwhile, Rwanda is accused of assisting the M23, a charge it denies, even as Rwandan troops reportedly operate within eastern DR Congo.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame maintains that his nation’s priority is ensuring security from Hutu rebels in DR Congo, downplaying the potential for sanctions related to these accusations. The Congolese government has condemned Rwanda for allegedly annexing significant portions of their mineral-rich territory.
In conclusion, the capture of the Bukavu airport by M23 rebels represents a severe escalation in the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo. Despite calls for a ceasefire from various international bodies, the situation remains dire, particularly for residents of Bukavu, who face increasing danger and uncertainty due to the advancing rebel forces.
The M23 rebels’ takeover of the airport in Bukavu marks a significant and troubling development in the ongoing conflict in eastern DR Congo. With international appeals for peace largely unheeded and the situation causing mass displacement, the region is bracing for further turmoil. Continued scrutiny is essential as the conflict draws in regional nations and poses threats to security and stability within the area.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
