M23 rebels claim to have seized Kavumu airport in South Kivu, DRC, a key location for the Congolese army. Local sources indicate that Bukavu is under threat from advancing rebel forces. Despite a declared ceasefire earlier this month, M23 aims to continue their campaign. The conflict has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands and significant fatalities, prompting President Tshisekedi to seek international assistance.
The M23 rebels, who are backed by Rwanda, have declared their capture of Kavumu airport in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This strategic location is pivotal for the Congolese army and serves the region surrounding Bukavu, one of the largest cities in South Kivu. A spokesperson for the group claimed control over both the airport and its adjoining areas.
Although the takeover reports remain unverified, local humanitarian sources suggested that Bukavu is no longer secure. Residents reported that rebel forces are advancing swiftly, now mere miles from the airport. The M23 rebels have been actively pushing their campaign since seizing Goma in January.
The M23, also known as the March 23 Movement, has ambitions that extend toward Kinshasa, the capital of the DRC. Following a declared ceasefire in early February, spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated, “It must be made clear that we have no intention of capturing Bukavu or other areas.”
The UN has indicated that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops provide substantial backing to the M23, a significant increase compared to a previous incursion in 2012. The Rwandan government has positioned the conflict as a protective measure for ethnic Tutsis facing threats from ethnic Hutu groups linked to historical genocides.
The humanitarian crisis continues, with the UN refugee agency reporting that around 350,000 individuals have been displaced since the beginning of 2025, and nearly 3,000 lives claimed by the ongoing conflict. Concurrently, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi is seeking international assistance to address the situation, engaging with stakeholders in Germany and plans to attend an African Union summit in Ethiopia.
The M23 rebels’ recent claim of control over Kavumu airport signifies an escalation in their ongoing military operations in the DRC. The conflict, influenced by historical ethnic tensions and backed by Rwandan troops, raises critical humanitarian concerns, with significant displacement and casualties reported. President Tshisekedi’s efforts to garner international support reflect the seriousness of the situation facing the DRC.
Original Source: news.sky.com
