M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have taken control of Bukavu, the second-largest city in the DRC, following their earlier capture of Goma. The local population, facing fear and violence, has been urged by the government to remain inside for safety. Concerns are mounting over the potential for a broader regional conflict as the situation escalates.
The city of Bukavu, the second-largest in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has fallen to the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who have reportedly taken control of the regional governor’s office. Many residents welcomed the arriving fighters, who entered the city unopposed, marking the second major city to fall to the M23 in recent weeks, after Goma.
The Congolese government has acknowledged the situation and advised residents to remain indoors to avoid potential confrontations with the occupying forces. The United Nations and European nations have expressed concern that this escalation could lead to a larger regional conflict, with hundreds of thousands displaced in the turmoil.
An anonymous local resident reported widespread fear among the population, as gunfire and looting became rampant following the rebels’ advance. On the day of their arrival, children and young men had armed themselves, generating significant tension in the streets.
M23’s advance towards Bukavu commenced after capturing the main airport nearby. By Sunday morning, the provincial governor confirmed the fighters’ presence in the city, noting the withdrawal of Congolese troops to prevent urban warfare, which resulted in a significant security gap and chaotic scenes across the city.
Reports indicate that the United Nations World Food Programme warehouse was looted, with nearly 7,000 tons of food stolen amid the unrest. Bukavu, with a population of around two million, plays a crucial role in the mineral trade due to its strategic location bordering Rwanda.
The M23’s recent territorial gains since late 2021 are a significant setback for President Félix Tshisekedi’s government. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya denounced Rwanda for infringing upon DRC’s sovereignty while claiming that Rwandan troops are operating within the region, a charge that Kigali has denied.
In response to the deteriorating situation, President Tshisekedi urged international sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame. However, President Kagame asserts that Rwanda’s priority remains domestic security, particularly in light of the danger posed by the DRC-based FDLR rebel group, which consists of individuals tied to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
On Sunday, M23 forces gathered in Bukavu, where one of their commanders addressed local citizens. He called on remaining government troops to surrender and claimed that the Congolese military had incited chaos by equipping local youths who engaged in looting.
The African Union emphasized the need for the M23 to disarm amid rising concerns regarding the potential for an expansive regional war. The situation remains dire, with a collective apprehension regarding the escalating hostilities and their regional implications.
The capture of Bukavu by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with implications for regional stability and humanitarian conditions. The fall of two major cities highlights the vulnerability of the DRC government and the urgent need for international attention and potential intervention to address the growing crisis.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
