Insecurity and Despair: The Situation in Bukavu, DRC

Bukavu faces severe insecurity with consistent nightly murders and looting by the M23 rebel group and gangs. School closures and restricted media reporting exacerbate the city’s instability. The local populace endures significant fear, leading to a pervasive atmosphere of sorrow.

In Bukavu, South Kivu, the security situation is dire, with reports indicating that it is common to discover three to four corpses on the streets nightly. Local church sources state that bodies are often found in the adjacent lake, highlighting the lawlessness that has ensued following the M23 rebel movement’s control of the city in February 2025. Anonymity was requested by these sources to ensure their safety, as they described a community governed by the strongest powers.

Criminal gangs operate within the city, although their activities typically involve theft rather than murder, while looting is frequently perpetrated with impunity by the M23 and their affiliates. Noteworthy incidents include the complete looting of a bank and the theft of cassiterite from supply depots. The initial wave of looting started before the M23’s official entry, transitioning into greater chaos in the days leading to their incursion into Bukavu.

The M23 and their allies have engaged in large-scale looting; a recent incident involved the theft of 34 barrels of cassiterite in the Nguba district, executed under the cover of night. Armed bandits, when confronted, have reportedly responded with lethal force against civilians, demonstrating a blatant disregard for human life. The Red Cross has conducted burials for some victims of these incidents, while families have received little compensation from the new authorities, citing financial strains due to ongoing conflict.

Transportation has been heavily impacted, with few vehicles remaining on the roads as many have been seized by the M23 or are kept hidden. This constraint contributes to the overall social stagnation in Bukavu, where educational institutions have shuttered due to parental fears for their children’s safety and the inability to pay school fees. There are also restrictions on local journalists, limiting their reports to state-approved narratives. Overall, the emotions of despair are pervasive among the populace, marking a notable departure from the typically vibrant Congolese spirit.

The situation in Bukavu continues to deteriorate, marked by rampant insecurity, looting, and loss of life, creating a climate of fear and despair. Criminal gangs operate alongside M23 forces, further destabilizing the region. The breakdown of essential services, coupled with restrictions on free press and communication, exacerbates the plight of the citizens. A dire humanitarian situation calls for urgent attention and action to restore safety and normalcy in Bukavu.

Original Source: www.fides.org