M23 Rebels Assume Control of Bukavu, Pledging Security Amid Regional Tensions
The M23 rebels have taken control of Bukavu, promising to restore security and assist an abandoned population. The situation has led to increased fears of regional conflict as thousands flee to Burundi. Despite disturbances, economic activity is slowly returning, though significant humanitarian challenges persist, exacerbated by large-scale looting during the takeover.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have assumed control of Bukavu, the second major city in eastern DRC, promising to restore security after the swift capture of the city earlier this month. Residents tentatively returned to the streets as the M23 declared that it would aid the population abandoned by the Congolese army during the takeover. This shift further destabilizes the region as fears of a broader conflict escalate.
The M23’s recent advances and successful capture of Bukavu follow their earlier takeover of Goma, exacerbating tensions between the rebel group and the DRC government. The rebels framed their actions as a measure to bring security to Bukavu, amid reports of mass civilian displacement. Thousands have fled the area, with many seeking refuge in Burundi, while some Bukavu residents welcomed the M23 amid the chaos.
Erasto Bahati Musanga, the newly appointed rebel governor of North Kivu, announced the reopening of ports in Bukavu and Goma. Since January, navigation on Lake Kivu had been obstructed due to heightened military tensions. Economic activities, although disrupted, have begun to recover, with local markets gradually reopening despite the prevailing instability and looting of resources.
Reports indicated that looters had taken approximately 7,000 tonnes of humanitarian supplies from the World Food Programme’s warehouses in Bukavu, aggravating an existing humanitarian crisis in the region. The WFP condemned these actions while urging respect for international humanitarian law to protect civilians during armed conflict.
Economic recovery in Bukavu is in its nascent stages, as vendors reopen their stalls with limited customer activity. Local merchants highlighted the necessity of resuming trade to sustain their livelihoods despite the tenuous situation. In contrast, widespread looting has left many, such as shop owner Pascal Zulu, grappling with financial uncertainty as they rebuild their businesses after the upheaval.
The M23 rebels’ seizure of Bukavu highlights the ongoing volatility in eastern DRC, raising concerns over regional security and humanitarian crises. As economic activities tentatively resume, the repercussions of looting and displacement continue to pose significant challenges for local residents. The situation calls for urgent actions to uphold humanitarian laws and protect civilians amidst escalating conflicts. The role of external actors, primarily Rwanda, also remains critical in understanding the dynamics of this conflict.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
