M23 rebels claim control of Kavumu airport in South Kivu, a strategic location in the DRC amid rising tensions. Local sources suggest imminent threats to Bukavu as rebels advance. The conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands since January, with the DRC president seeking international support to address the crisis.
M23 rebels, reportedly supported by Rwanda, have stated they have taken control of Kavumu airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s South Kivu province. This airport is strategically important for the Congolese army and its proximity to Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city, heightens its significance. The rebels claim to control the surrounding areas as well.
Confirmations of the takeover remain pending, but local agency reports suggest that Bukavu faces imminent threats. Local sources indicate that rebel forces are advancing close to the city, with a civil society contact stating, “The city of Bukavu can no longer hold.” The rebels have made significant territorial gains since capturing Goma earlier this year.
The M23 movement, or March 23 Movement, is virtually one among several armed groups in the region, advancing despite a recently declared ceasefire. Spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka insisted that their goal isn’t the seizure of Bukavu.
With approximately 4,000 soldiers from Rwanda involved, the M23 rebels have a stronger backing compared to their earlier campaign in 2012. Rwanda’s government positions this conflict as a defense of ethnic Tutsis against Hutu factions linked to the historic genocide.
The UN refugee agency reported that around 350,000 individuals have been displaced since January, with fatalities nearing 3,000. As conflict escalates, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi seeks international dialogue, attending major summits to garner support against the ongoing crisis in the region.
The M23 rebels have seized Kavumu airport in South Kivu, threatening Bukavu and marking a significant escalation in the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite claims of a ceasefire, the group continues its advances with substantial support from Rwanda. The unrest has severe humanitarian implications, with mass displacement and casualties reported, prompting DRC’s president to pursue international aid and discussions.
Original Source: news.sky.com
