Panic in Bukavu as Rwanda-Backed Rebels Advance, Leaving Chaos Behind
Residents of Bukavu, Congo, fled in panic as M23 rebels advanced towards the city. Looting and violence erupted, with residents witnessing horrifying scenes. The rebels’ expansion poses challenges to the Congolese government, prompting international calls for a ceasefire amidst growing humanitarian crises.
Panic engulfed Bukavu, eastern Congo’s second-largest city, as residents and soldiers fled from the advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Thousands fled the city amidst chaos, with some streets in disarray from looting and evacuation efforts. Although M23 fighters approached, they had not yet taken control of Bukavu; relative calm returned as fighting decreased after Congolese troops retreated.
Amidst the panic, residents were horrified by violence and looting, with looters seizing abandoned goods. “They set fire to the ammunition they were unable to take with them,” stated Alain Iragi, a resident who fled the chaos. Reports indicated that some soldiers participated in the looting, exacerbating the plight of civilians.
As M23 rebels continue their southward push following the capture of Goma, their incursion poses significant challenges to the central government. Taking control of Bukavu could provoke international scrutiny, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to call for a ceasefire and a return of Congolese authorities to the city.
This ongoing rebellion has already led to approximately 3,000 deaths and left hundreds of thousands displaced in eastern Congo. The humanitarian situation is dire, with around 350,000 internally displaced individuals lacking adequate shelter. The REBEL group continues to seize key locations, asserting control over critical transport routes.
Despite regional concerns, decisive action against M23 remains absent from African leaders and the international community. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has highlighted the potential for conflict escalation in the region, emphasizing the need to respect Congo’s sovereignty. Tensions persist as various forces are engaged in other conflicts within eastern Congo, complicating the situation.
The situation in eastern Congo remains precarious as M23 rebels advance towards Bukavu, inciting panic among residents and leading to significant displacement and looting. The international community faces pressure to intervene as the conflict endangers regional stability. Calls for a ceasefire and the return of governance have emerged, yet the ongoing violence underscores the complex dynamics at play in this turbulent region.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
