Rwandan-Backed Rebels Capture Bukavu, Escalating DR Congo Conflict
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have seized Bukavu, DR Congo’s second-largest city, marking a significant territorial gain amidst increased violence and chaos. The Congolese government urges residents to stay indoors as hundreds of thousands are displaced, raising international concerns about potential wider regional conflict. The M23’s advance is tied to historical tensions with Rwanda over security and resource exploitation issues.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have successfully entered Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s second-largest city, taking control of the regional governor’s office without facing resistance. Residents greeted the fighters with claps and cheers as they made their way into the city center. This marks the second significant stronghold captured by the M23 in recent weeks, following their seizure of Goma, exacerbating the ongoing conflict in the mineral-rich eastern DRC.
After the takeover, the Congolese government has urged citizens to remain indoors to avoid conflict with the occupying forces. Meanwhile, the recent offensive has displaced hundreds of thousands, raising concerns from the United Nations and European nations about the potential for a broader regional war. Uncertainty prevails among residents, with one anonymous local reporting fear and chaos as armed youth engaged in violent activities, including looting.
The M23 began its advance towards Bukavu after capturing the main airport located north of the city. Congolese troops have reportedly withdrawn to prevent urban combat, creating a security vacuum that has led to incidents like the escape of prisoners during the chaos. Additionally, a warehouse containing nearly 7,000 tonnes of food belonging to the World Food Programme was reportedly looted amid the turmoil.
With a population of approximately two million, Bukavu is a significant transit area for the local mineral trade, and its capture represents a worrying territorial expansion for the M23 since relaunching its insurgency in 2021. The DRC government, led by President Félix Tshisekedi, views this loss as a critical setback and has accused Rwanda of violating its territorial sovereignty and committing human rights abuses for resource exploitation, charges which Rwanda vehemently denies.
President Tshisekedi has advocated for international sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame in response to the unrest, though Kagame has disregarded these threats, citing Rwanda’s primary focus on national security from threats posed by rebel groups in the DRC, including the FLDR. This rebel group, which consists of individuals linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, poses a significant concern for Rwanda.
Amid the rising tension, M23 troops have congregated at central Bukavu, with one of their leaders, Bernard Byamungu, communicating with locals and urging Congolese forces to surrender. In light of the crisis, the African Union continues to implore the M23 to disarm, acknowledging the growing danger of an international conflict arising from the situation in the DRC.
The capture of Bukavu by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels highlights the escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, reflecting the ongoing struggle for control and the complex dynamics of regional politics. The DRC government’s appeals to the international community and threats against Rwanda underscore the precarious situation, further complicated by humanitarian impacts that could lead to broader regional instability. The international response remains crucial to addressing both the immediate situation and the underlying issues at play in the area.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
