The AFC rebel coalition claims to have taken control of Bukavu amidst reports of looting, after recently capturing Goma. The conflict, linked to Rwanda’s support of M23, has resulted in significant casualties. Local residents report safety concerns, amid widespread looting and the army’s retreat from the city.
A rebel coalition in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) claims it has progressed into Bukavu, the province’s capital, with local reports indicating looting and armed fighters in the area. The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), which includes the M23 group, stated it captured Kavumu airport, forcing government troops to retreat. However, the DRC government has not verified these claims, and eyewitnesses report varying accounts of rebel presence in the city.
This escalation follows the rebels’ recent capture of Goma, another major city in North Kivu, which has been the site of extensive violence. The DRC government reports that over 3,000 people have died in the conflict in Goma between rebel forces and the national military. Accusations have been directed at Rwanda for supporting M23, which consists primarily of ethnic Tutsis.
Since 2022, M23 has revived its armed struggle against the DRC, claiming to represent Rwandophone communities. As part of the AFC, M23 has seized control of valuable resource-rich territories, including areas rich in coltan, a crucial mineral for technology manufacturing. Despite appeals for ceasefires from international leaders, these have not halted the conflict.
Victor Tesongo, an AFC spokesperson, emphasized that their territorial gains in Goma and Bukavu are significant, as these cities house over three million residents combined. Meanwhile, a DRC military spokesperson confirmed the retreat of government troops from Bukavu after the airport’s occupation by rebels. Reports from locals indicate visible rebel presence in some areas of Bukavu, while others note ongoing looting attributed to soldiers and civilians fleeing the conflict.
Residents describe a lack of security amid the unrest. One local witness reported, “We have no security,” while another noted that the rebels were distinct in their uniforms during their advance. Observations suggest the situation in Bukavu remains tense but chaotic, with widespread looting reported.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC has seen significant territorial advances by rebel groups, particularly the M23, leading to humanitarian concerns in cities like Bukavu and Goma. With accusations of foreign support for the rebels and a dire lack of security for residents, the situation remains precarious. International calls for ceasefire are proving ineffective as violence persists, exacerbating the plight of the population caught in the crossfire.
Original Source: www.cnn.com
