M23 fighters, backed by Rwandan troops, have taken control of Bukavu in the DRC, raising fears of disintegration. The global community is urging Rwanda to cease military support for M23 as looting and chaos spread among the local population. Concerns of escalating regional conflict persist, with calls for immediate action to restore peace.
On Sunday, M23 fighters, reportedly supported by Rwandan troops, captured the city of Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), raising alarm over potential fragmentation of the country. The fighters had entered nearby districts on Friday, and the fall of Bukavu, a city of approximately one million residents with minimal defense, strengthens M23’s control over the region, including Lake Kivu and Goma, which fell earlier this year.
With pressures mounting internationally for Rwanda to cease its backing of M23, Rwanda continues to deny its military presence in the DRC. As M23 entered Bukavu, some local residents appeared to support the group, expressing hopes for change and claiming the fighters as liberators. An overwhelming number of Congolese troops abandoned their positions, leaving behind arms that civilians quickly seized, leading to a weekend of looting, while many sought shelter at home.
Looting ensued across various neighborhoods, with civilians collecting weapons discarded by the retreating Congolese troops. Amidst the chaos, M23 instructed residents to form vigilance committees for security purposes and demanded the immediate withdrawal of Burundian soldiers backing the Congolese forces. Witnesses reported sporadic gunfire, particularly near military installations.
The DRC government is closely monitoring the situation in Bukavu, accusing Rwanda of orchestrating pillages and territorial occupation. As the potential for a regional war looms, the international community has called for immediate de-escalation and a ceasefire, though these demands have yet to yield results. The African Union emphasized avoiding any disintegration of eastern DRC, while UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reinforced the importance of respecting the DRC’s territorial integrity.
In recent statements, the French government urged for an immediate pullout of Rwandan troops, with British officials raising concerns that Rwanda’s backing of M23 could ignite a broader regional conflict. The DRC alleges the presence of around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers in its eastern territories. The conflict with M23 has persisted for over three years, with Kinshasa accusing Rwanda of coveting the region’s vast mineral resources and land.
The capture of Bukavu by M23 fighters raises significant concerns regarding the stability and territorial integrity of the DRC. International calls for the withdrawal of Rwandan troops and a ceasefire have intensified amid fears of a wider regional conflict. The situation remains precarious, with local populations caught in the middle of military and political turmoil. The ongoing conflict exemplifies both regional power dynamics and the complex historical ties between Rwanda and parts of the DRC, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic efforts to ensure peace and security in the area.
Original Source: www.nbcrightnow.com
