Escalating Turmoil in Eastern DRC as Rebel Forces Advance

The Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern city of Bukavu is experiencing chaos as M23 rebels make advances, leading to fears of regional conflict, widespread looting, and a humanitarian crisis.

Chaotic scenes are unfolding in Bukavu, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as the M23 rebel group continues its offensive. Sporadic gunfire and widespread looting were reported on Saturday, with local residents taking shelter in their homes. Following M23's recent seizure of key areas in the region, including Kavumu airport, conflicting reports have emerged about whether the rebels have entered Bukavu itself.

Authorities from the United Nations (UN) and the European Union have expressed deep concern regarding the escalating violence and instability. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need to avoid regional conflict and underscored the importance of respecting DRC’s sovereignty. The European Union condemned the ongoing violations of the DRC's territorial integrity and suggested that urgent actions may be on the table.

As the conflict intensifies, the Congolese government has accused Rwanda of orchestrating turmoil to exploit DRC’s natural resources, a claim that Rwanda has denied. The M23 offensive has displaced hundreds of thousands of individuals in recent weeks, pushing local residents towards panic-stricken caution.

A victim of the violence described her plight, stating that with provisions running low, it was too dangerous to acquire more food. Looting incidents targeting essential supplies – including a World Food Programme depot – have further exacerbated the dire humanitarian situation. The supplies looted could potentially deepen the crisis for many vulnerable individuals.

While an M23-related source claimed presence within the city, some locals reported a lack of violent encounters. However, the potential capture of Bukavu – which has a population exceeding a million and sits at a strategic trade junction for minerals – represents a critical escalation in territory held by the rebels since their resurgence in 2022.

In a concerning development, Uganda’s army chief has threatened military action against the Congolese town of Bunia, warning that unless armed forces there surrender, an attack may ensue within 24 hours. This escalated tension has reignited fears of a broader regional conflict echoing the devastating wars of the 1990s and 2000s that claimed millions of lives.

The mineral-rich eastern DRC continues to be a hotbed of instability, an enduring legacy of conflicts stemming back over three decades, making the current situation particularly precarious for the nations involved.