Escalating Insecurity and Despair in Bukavu, DR Congo

Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu, is experiencing escalating insecurity under M23 rebel occupation, with regular reports of violence, looting, and dead bodies found in the streets. Schools are closed, and social life has come to a halt due to fear and poverty. Local authorities provide minimal support while imposing censorship on journalism.

In Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a dire security situation prevails, with local church sources reporting that “not a night goes by without three or four bodies found on the street.” This unsettling state of affairs follows the takeover of the city by the M23 rebel movement in mid-February. The local community describes a scenario where criminal gangs remain active, primarily engaging in theft rather than murder, while the M23 and its allies undertake more significant looting operations, including the theft of bank resources and cassiterite deposits.

Since the M23’s entry into Bukavu on February 14, extensive looting has been reported, particularly in markets. The violence is compounded by the armed conflicts, as armed bandits reportedly execute indiscriminate killings, intimidating the local populace into silence. An example of this brutality was recorded on March 4, when Red Cross efforts led to the burial of victims from a violent attack on February 27. Despite the new authorities providing some monetary support to victims’ families, they lament the limited financial resources due to the ongoing war.

The pervasive insecurity has essentially paralyzed social life in Bukavu. Schools remain closed as parents fear for their children’s safety and struggle to afford tuition fees amidst rising poverty. Additionally, journalists face strict censorship, coerced into disseminating favorable narratives about the occupying forces. The sentiment among the citizens is one of profound sadness, starkly contrasting with the typical resilience of the Congolese people.

The situation in Bukavu exemplifies the severe humanitarian crisis stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With rampant violence, mass looting, and a paralyzed social structure, the local population faces immense challenges. The distressing reports of loss of life, censorship in the media, and halted education signal a desperate need for stabilization and humanitarian assistance in the region.

Original Source: www.fides.org