Twelve victims were buried in Bukavu, DR Congo, following a grenade attack at a rally, which resulted in 17 fatalities. Witnesses stated that the grenade was aimed at M23 rebel leaders. Grieving families are demanding government action to establish peace as tensions escalate in the region amid ongoing violence linked to the M23 group and its alleged support from Rwanda.
In Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a funeral was held for twelve victims of a grenade blast that occurred during a rally last week. The attack, attributed to a grenade misfire intended for M23 rebel leaders, resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals, with 11 dying at the scene and others later succumbing to their injuries. The ceremony, organized by newly appointed rebel authorities, involved solemn rites performed by a priest, alongside grieving family members mourning their losses.
Local residents expressed their concerns regarding the security situation, with many calling on the government to ensure peace. “At the moment, we are very worried, very worried, we ask our government to guarantee us peace… We plead with the government to help us, let these killings stop,” stated Claude Balolebwami Nyarubasa, one of the mourners whose brother was killed in the blast.
The situation in Bukavu reflects the ongoing turmoil in the region, where the M23 rebels, allegedly supported by Rwanda, have been increasingly active. In a statement, Congo’s army accused Rwandan forces and the rebels of targeting civilians during the rally, while the Rwandan government denies any involvement. Furthermore, Corneille Nangaa, a leader of the rebel alliance, blamed President Felix Tshisekedi for the violent incident, underscoring political tensions amidst the humanitarian crisis.
The M23’s recent activities mark a significant escalation in a conflict that has persisted for over a decade, rooted deeply in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the struggle for control of Congo’s lucrative mineral resources. This incident highlights the fragility of peace in eastern Congo and the urgent need for a resolution to the ongoing violence.
The tragedy in Bukavu, resulting from a grenade attack during a rally, underscores the precarious security situation in eastern Congo. With multiple fatalities reported, including many in the vicinity of the incident, calls for government intervention to restore peace are echoing among residents. The implications of the ongoing conflict, driven by the M23 rebels and their alleged ties to Rwanda, continue to threaten stability in the region, necessitating urgent diplomatic efforts for resolution.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
