M23 rebels, with Rwandan support, captured Bukavu, the DRC’s major city. This marks a rise in violence and instability in the Kivu region. The DRC government condemned Rwanda’s defiance of international cease-fire calls and accused it of severe human rights violations. Amid chaos, local populations are experiencing looting, while calls for disarmament of the M23 increase.
On February 17, UPI reported that M23 rebels, supported by forces from Rwanda, seized control of Bukavu, a significant city in the mineral-rich Kivu region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This marks the second major city captured within three weeks, as stated by government officials. The DRC’s Ministry of Communication and Media announced that Rwandan forces and their M23 auxiliaries had entered Bukavu, urging residents to stay indoors while the government monitors the evolving situation.
The DRC government condemned Rwanda for ignoring international pleas for a cease-fire, including a resolution from the East African Community and the Southern African Development Community during a recent regional summit in Tanzania. The ministry’s statement claimed Rwanda is engaged in a campaign of occupation, theft, and serious human rights violations within DRC territory.
“Bukavu, Goma and all the other occupied corners in North Kivu and South Kivu are the symbol of our resistance. Let us all remain standing, vigilant, resilient and united in the face of this ordeal behind our armed forces and the President of the Republic, Supreme Commander [Felix Tshisekedi],” the ministry proclaimed. Reports indicated that M23 faced little resistance as government forces retreated, leading to looting and chaos in the streets following their entry.
Willy Ngoma, a spokesperson for the M23, declared, “We’re there, we’re there in Bukavu,” emphasizing their control over the city. BBC coverage noted that some locals greeted the rebels, while others described widespread panic and lawlessness as gangs took over in the absence of governmental authority. A United Nations warehouse with 7,000 tons of food was reported looted during the turmoil.
Additionally, inmates from the main prison reportedly escaped amid the chaos. In response to the ongoing crisis, the African Union recently called for the disarmament of the M23. The M23 coalition, known as the Congo River Alliance (AFC), had previously declared a unilateral cease-fire on February 4 amidst the humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the DRC government.
President Tshisekedi has urged for international sanctions against Rwanda’s Tutsi-led government, accusing it of inciting violence to seize valuable resources in DRC, including its rich deposits of mining materials vital for electric vehicle batteries. The DRC, as the world’s leading cobalt producer, supplied over two-thirds of global output, amounting to 130,000 tons in 2022, according to data from the U.S. International Trade Administration.
In summary, the M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan forces, have captured the city of Bukavu in the DRC, escalating hostilities in the region. The DRC government has condemned Rwanda’s actions and called for international intervention, while local populations are experiencing significant turmoil and insecurity as a result of the conflict. Accusations continue to surface regarding Rwanda’s intentions to exploit DRC’s mineral wealth amid ongoing battles and humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.upi.com
