Rwanda-backed M23 rebels continue their advance toward Bukavu, eastern Congo’s second-largest city, causing significant turmoil. Families are in lockdown, shops closed, as the conflict escalates. The situation poses serious challenges for the Congolese military and heightens the humanitarian crisis for displaced individuals, sparking imminent international discussions about the unrest.
On February 15, 2025, residents in Bukavu, the second-largest city of eastern Congo, faced a tense morning after a troubling night of gunfire due to the advance of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Business activity ceased, and families stayed indoors as the fighters approached the city’s outskirts. Bukavu, home to approximately 1.3 million inhabitants, is situated 101 kilometers south of Goma, which has been under rebel control since last month.
The M23 group, supported by about 4,000 Rwandan troops, represents a significant presence among the over 100 armed factions in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern regions. Their recent territorial gains present a formidable challenge to the authority of Congo’s central government, as this rebellion has resulted in at least 2,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced, according to reports from the U.N. and local agencies.
On February 14, rebels announced the capture of a second airport in the region, located in Kavumu near Bukavu. The U.N. highlighted that the escalation in combat has left approximately 350,000 internally displaced individuals without adequate shelter. The status of the strategically important airport remains uncertain, as it serves both military and humanitarian purposes.
There was no immediate response from government officials concerning the escalating conflict, although the Congolese Communications Ministry accused the rebels of breaching ceasefire agreements and attacking Congolese forces. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka asserted, “The airport posed a danger to the civilian population,” justifying their seizure of the area.
Civil society reports indicated that Congolese soldiers were abandoning their positions, similar to the events preceding the capture of Goma last month. Despite receiving considerable funding, Congo’s military has faced persistent challenges, including training deficiencies and corruption issues, which have undermined its operational effectiveness.
International discussions regarding the conflict are anticipated during the African Union summit in Ethiopia. Amidst ongoing advocacy from President Félix Tshisekedi for international aid to counter the rebel advancement, progress has been minimal. The government denounced M23’s recent unilateral ceasefire declaration as disingenuous.
Amidst the escalating violence, civilians have begun fleeing Bukavu towards nearby towns, while others stock up on essential supplies in preparation for potential conflict. The U.N. refugee agency reported the destruction of 70,000 emergency shelters due to conflict-related shelling and looting, exacerbating the plight of displaced individuals.
Chirimwami Alexis, a resident escaping from Kavumu, noted, “I noticed that the soldiers were dropping out and fleeing, so I told myself that I could no longer stay in this place.” He expressed concerns about those escaping with little preparation or supplies due to the escalating threat of violence.
The situation in eastern Congo remains critical as M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan forces, approach Bukavu, exacerbating humanitarian crises and challenging government authority. The conflict has led to significant casualties and mass displacement. With international discussions on the horizon, the outcome remains uncertain as residents prepare for potential violence amidst ongoing instability.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
