M23 Rebels Strengthen Control Over Bukavu Amid Growing Tension in DRC
M23 rebels have captured Bukavu, tightening their control in eastern DRC. The takeover follows the abandonment of the city by Congolese forces and highlights a severe humanitarian crisis stemming from ongoing conflict. As locals face insecurity, protests erupt in Goma calling for the withdrawal of foreign troops and the resignation of President Tshisekedi.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have solidified their control over Bukavu on Monday, following their capture of the city the previous day amid an apparent resignation from its residents. Bukavu, which houses 1.3 million people, fell into the hands of the rebels after Congolese forces abandoned it. The city is situated 101 kilometers south of Goma, which was seized by M23 in late January.
M23 is the foremost among over 100 armed groups competing for dominance in eastern Congo, a region rich in valuable minerals crucial for global technology. Reports indicate that M23 benefits from the support of approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, as highlighted by U.N. experts. Simultaneously, the continuous conflict has resulted in the displacement of more than six million individuals, leading to an extensive humanitarian crisis.
As the M23 rebels advanced into Bukavu, the streets became congested with residents trying to escape and looters attempting to gather supplies. A heavy silence enveloped the city as the populace and local business owners prepared for the rebels’ entry. By Monday morning, residents began to emerge again as the rebels patrolled significant intersections.
A local shopkeeper, David Balezi, expressed the pervasive fear among people, stating, “People are still scared to go out because of the insecurity so it’s not business as usual yet.” The border crossing from Bukavu to Rwanda remained closed on Monday morning, accompanied by the closure of most shops before traffic gradually resumed.
David Munyaga, a Bukavu resident, offered a note of cautious optimism: “Now we thank God that the situation is OK, even if we do not know what is coming. Whatever happens, we will live with it.” On the same day, Erasto Bahati Musanga, the newly appointed governor by M23, announced the reopening of Goma and Bukavu’s ports on Tuesday, following a ban on navigation on Lake Kivu since late January during the assault on Goma.
In Goma, under rebel authority, hundreds of demonstrators convened, demanding the expulsion of the U.N. peacekeeping force MONUSCO, as well as the withdrawal of Southern African Development Community (SADC) troops. Protesters organized a sit-in at the MONUSCO headquarters, voicing their discontent and calling for the resignation of President Felix Tshisekedi. Bauma Sukali, a protester stated, “The war does not end in Congo, why? They have nothing to do here, they should leave.”
Another protester, Fiston Nsabimana, criticized the government’s inability to maintain peace, saying, “Tshisekedi is not able to ensure peace. Let him leave power.” This reflects the growing unrest and dissatisfaction among the populace in the context of ongoing conflict and instability in the region.
The M23 rebels have significantly heightened their control over Bukavu, leaving residents anxious and apprehensive about the future. The ongoing conflict, fueled by external support, has created a grave humanitarian crisis and deep discontent among the local population towards their government and international presence. The situation remains precarious as protests reflect a broader call for change amid ongoing insecurity.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
