Gunfire and explosions disrupted a rebel rally in Bukavu, DR Congo, with reports of at least 11 fatalities and 60 injuries. The unrest occurred during the first rally since rebels captured the city. Rebel leaders accused the government of orchestrating the attack, while President Tshisekedi pointed to foreign military involvement. Humanitarian issues arise as the conflict displaces approximately 500,000 individuals in the region.
Gunfire and explosions erupted during a rally held by rebel leaders in Bukavu, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo recently captured from government forces. The chaos resulted in people fleeing in panic, and initial reports indicate that at least 11 individuals were killed and approximately 60 injured, as confirmed by a hospital source to the AFP news agency.
This incident marked the inaugural rally for the Rwanda-backed rebels since their takeover of Bukavu. Rebel leaders attributed the violence to President Felix Tshisekedi’s government, while Tshisekedi countered by blaming a foreign military presence in the region. The rally featured remarks from Corneille Nangaa, head of the rebel alliance, who assured attendees of increased security measures in the city.
Nangaa stated that special units would be deployed for patrolling, though he and Bertrand Bisimwa of M23 reportedly left the rally prior to the attack. Following the incident, Nangaa indicated that two arrests had been made in connection to the violence, asserting that “this cowardly and barbaric act will not go without consequences.”
Since January, the rebel factions have made significant advancements in eastern DR Congo, leading to the capture of several regions, including Bukavu and Goma. This escalating conflict has displaced around 500,000 individuals, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation, as reported by the United Nations. Calls for a ceasefire and troop withdrawal have come from both the African Union and the UN.
Rwanda’s involvement in the conflict has shifted from previous denials of support for M23 to a defensive posture, claiming that unrest along the border poses a threat to its security. UN analysts estimate that between 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops are present in eastern DR Congo, complicating an already volatile situation.
The recent violence at a rebel rally in Bukavu highlights the ongoing instability in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, fueled by territorial gains by rebel factions and foreign military involvement. With casualties reported and an increasing number of displaced persons, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen. Both local and international calls for an end to hostilities reflect the urgent need for conflict resolution in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
