M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu, Heightening Concerns of Regional Instability
M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have captured Bukavu, DR Congo’s second-largest city, after Goma. The local government has advised citizens to stay indoors amid fears of violence and looting. The UN warns of a potential regional war as the conflict escalates, resulting in significant humanitarian concerns.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), after seizing the regional governor’s office. Citizens clapped and cheered as the fighters advanced into the city center without facing opposition, marking the rebel group’s second major city captured in recent weeks, following Goma.
The Congolese government has acknowledged the loss of Bukavu and has advised residents to remain indoors to avoid confrontation with the occupying forces. The ongoing conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands, prompting warnings from the UN and European countries about a potential escalation into a broader regional war.
A Bukavu resident, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, reported significant unrest, saying, “Since yesterday the children and the youth took the weapons. They are shooting everywhere in all directions; they are looting.” The atmosphere of fear has taken hold, as some citizens appeared to welcome the rebels, possibly out of fear of the absence of local authority.
The M23 rebels captured Bukavu’s main airport and began their advance towards the city, which serves as the capital of South-Kivu province. Provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki confirmed that Congolese troops retreated to avoid urban conflict, leaving a power vacuum and causing chaotic scenes, including a prison break.
The UN World Food Programme reported that a warehouse containing nearly 7,000 tonnes of food was looted amid the unrest. Bukavu, a city of approximately two million residents and close to the Rwandan border, is vital for local mineral trade, and its capture marks a significant territorial gain for the M23 since the insurgency began in late 2021, posing a serious challenge to President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration.
Congolese government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya accused Rwanda of violating the nation’s sovereignty and fostering chaos to exploit DR Congo’s resources, while Kigali denies these allegations. President Tshisekedi is pushing for sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame due to the unrest, although Kagame has dismissed such threats, citing national security as his priority.
M23 commander Bernard Byamungu was seen engaging with locals in Bukavu, urging government forces to surrender and condemning military actions that armed local youths, leading to looting. The African Union has expressed serious concern regarding the conflict, emphasizing the need for the M23 to disarm and the risk of regional war.
The situation in Bukavu continues to evolve, prompting international concern and highlighting the complex dynamics at play in the region. The underlying tensions between DR Congo and Rwanda remain a significant obstacle to stability in Eastern Africa.
The capture of Bukavu by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels underscores the intensifying conflict in eastern DR Congo, raising alarms over regional stability. With rising violence leading to widespread fear, mass displacement, and accusations of external interference, the international community is urged to take note. Efforts towards disarmament and addressing the root causes of conflict will be crucial in preventing further escalation.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
