The city of Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has fallen to Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, marking another significant loss for the Congolese government in a rapidly escalating conflict that threatens to destabilize the region further.
M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu, Escalating Tensions in DR Congo
M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu, Escalating Tensions in DR Congo
The M23 rebel group, with support from Rwanda, has seized control of Bukavu, sparking fears of a regional conflict as violence continues to displace thousands.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have swept into Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of Congo's second-largest city, capturing the regional governor's office amid a lack of resistance on Sunday. Celebrated by some locals, the fighters' entry marks a troubling escalation for the Congolese government, which has already seen Goma fall to the insurgents over recent weeks. In a statement confirming the incident, the government urged residents to remain indoors to avoid confrontation with "occupying forces."
The United Nations and several European nations are warning that this latest offensive, which has already displaced hundreds of thousands, could spiral into a broader regional conflict. Residents in Bukavu described a sense of terror and chaos, as armed youths took to the streets, looting and firing guns indiscriminately. Under cover of this unrest, Bukavu's main airport was captured by the M23 on Friday, paving the way for their advance to the city centre.
Provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki confirmed that Congolese troops retreated to avoid urban combat, leading to a security vacuum that has resulted in significant disorder, including a reported prison escape. Widespread looting has been reported, with the UN’s World Food Programme noting the theft of around 7,000 tonnes of food from a local warehouse.
As the M23 expands its control since re-entering the fray in 2021, the Congolese government is increasingly vocal in its accusations against Rwanda, citing violations of territorial integrity and human rights abuses. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya emphasized that Rwanda is instigating chaos in the area to exploit its natural resources—claims that Rwanda consistently denies.
President Félix Tshisekedi is advocating for international sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame amidst escalating tensions. In response, Kagame has dismissed such measures as unfounded, asserting that Rwanda’s actions are driven by national security concerns exacerbated by ongoing threats from armed groups operating in eastern Congo.
Amid this turmoil, one of the M23 commanders, Bernard Byamungu, was seen engaging with locals in Bukavu, calling on government forces to surrender while accusing them of inciting fear among the populace. As the African Union convenes a heads of state summit in Ethiopia, there is increasing pressure for the M23 to disarm, with officials voicing grave apprehension over a potential regional war.
