M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu, Increasing Tensions in DR Congo
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Bukavu, marking the second city fall in weeks in eastern DR Congo. Amidst cheers from some residents, the Congolese government has urged citizens to stay indoors as chaos ensues. The conflict escalates fears of a wider regional war, prompting calls for action from international organizations.
M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have captured Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, taking control of the regional governor’s office. Residents greeted the rebels with cheers as they entered without encountering resistance. This marks the second city to fall to the M23 in recent weeks, following Goma, amidst increasing tensions in the mineral-rich region.
In light of the situation, the Congolese government has confirmed the city’s fall and urged inhabitants to remain indoors to avoid potential violence from the occupying forces. The United Nations and various European nations have expressed concerns that the ongoing conflict could escalate into a larger regional war, having already displaced hundreds of thousands of individuals from their homes.
A local resident, wishing to remain anonymous for safety reasons, described the chaos ensuing as children and youth took up arms, resulting in random gunfire and looting. The individual noted that some residents are ecstatic about the M23’s arrival, possibly due to the absence of local authorities, with the noise of gunfire still audible in the neighborhood.
The M23 took control of Bukavu’s main airport, located approximately 30 kilometers north of the city, before advancing toward the urban center, which serves as the capital of South-Kivu province. Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki confirmed to Reuters that the troops had established their presence in Bukavu, while Congolese forces withdrew to prevent urban warfare, thus creating a security vacuum and leading to disorder.
Reportedly, there was a prison break at the central prison, and the UN World Food Programme noted that nearly 7,000 tonnes of food supplies were looted from a warehouse. Bukavu, home to around two million people and adjacent to Rwanda, is a crucial transit point for the local mineral trade. The fall of this city indicates an unprecedented territorial gain for the M23 since the onset of their latest insurgency in late 2021, posing a significant challenge to President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya accused Rwanda of infringing on DR Congo’s territorial integrity and instigating unrest for its resource gain, which Rwanda vehemently denies. President Tshisekedi is advocating for sanctions against his Rwandan counterpart, Paul Kagame, in response to the upheaval. However, President Kagame contends that Rwanda’s priority is its own national security and has criticized the Congolese government for inadequately addressing threats from the FLDR rebel group.
The M23, predominantly composed of Tutsi fighters, gathered at Place de l’Indépendance in central Bukavu, where their commander, Bernard Byamungu, spoke with the local populace. He called for the Congolese military to surrender and accused the retreating troops of exacerbating terror by arming local youth involved in rampant looting. The African Union has reiterated its call for the M23 to disarm, expressing significant concerns about the prospect of an open regional conflict.
In summary, the capture of Bukavu by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels signifies the continuing deterioration of security in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This development reflects underlying geopolitical tensions, particularly with Rwanda’s involvement. The situation poses a challenge for President Tshisekedi and raises fears of a broader regional conflict, necessitating urgent international attention and intervention.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
