Panic in Bukavu as Rwanda-Backed Rebels Advance and Residents Flee
Residents in Bukavu, eastern Congo are fleeing as M23, a Rwandan-backed rebel group, advances into their city. The situation escalated with reports of looting and violence following the departure of Congolese soldiers. Concerns about the broader implications of the rebellion are echoed by international leaders, urging for immediate ceasefire and stabilization efforts in the region.
In Goma, eastern Congo, a mass exodus occurred as residents sought refuge from the advancing Rwanda-backed rebel group, M23. Following the group’s incursion into Bukavu, many streets became congested with fleeing civilians and looters gathering supplies. Although M23 did not fully seize Bukavu as they had captured an airport just outside the city the previous day, fear and uncertainty enveloped the area as local residents braced for potential escalation of violence.
Witnesses described scenes of destruction, including charred bodies left in the streets, suggesting high casualties from prior skirmishes. Some local residents reported witnessing looting as soldiers abandoned their posts. Reports indicated that those left behind, including some military personnel, were heavily involved in the looting of stores and goods left unprotected.
Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the Congo River Alliance, attributed the chaos to the retreating Congolese army and urged citizens to maintain order. Likewise, Pierre Bahizi, the rebels’ self-proclaimed governor of Bukavu, called upon residents to unite in an effort to restore peace to the city amid the unrest.
M23, having previously gained control of Goma, continues its expansion into Bukavu, posing a significant threat to the Congolese government. The conflict’s ramifications could provoke greater scrutiny from the international community, prompting officials such as French President Emmanuel Macron to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and the return of Congolese authorities to the city.
The violence has resulted in nearly 3,000 fatalities and left about 350,000 people internally displaced, according to UN reports. M23’s swift movements have raised alarms, particularly with their control over critical transportation infrastructure such as Bukavu’s airport.
Congolese authorities condemned the rebels for violating ceasefire agreements and heightening tensions through their military actions while calling for national security measures. This follows prior incidents in the region where military forces fled in anticipation of the rebel advance, revealing systemic issues within the Congolese military, including corruption and inadequate training.
International leaders, including U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, expressed concerns about the potential for regional conflict escalation at an African Union summit. His remarks highlighted the need for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Congo as leaders grapple with internal division over diplomatic solutions to the crisis.
Meanwhile, Uganda’s military has issued ultimatums to insurgents in regions outside M23’s current endeavors, adding further tension to an already volatile situation. In this context, military leaders emphasized readiness to address threats while warning of severe consequences if insurgents fail to comply with demands.
The situation in eastern Congo remains dire as Rwanda-backed rebels expand their control, causing widespread panic among civilians. The M23 group poses a growing threat to the Congolese government, leading to violence, casualties, and a significant internal displacement crisis. International calls for calm and a ceasefire highlight the urgency of addressing the conflict before it exacerbates regional tensions. As rebel advances continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to restore stability in the region.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
