Rwanda-backed M23 rebels reached Bukavu, East Congo’s second-largest city, with little resistance, parading through the city and receiving support from locals. The conflict, fueled by longstanding ethnic tensions and geopolitical factors, has resulted in millions displaced and significant humanitarian issues. Amid tensions, international leaders call for ceasefire and dialogue, while the conflict threatens broader regional stability.
On Sunday morning, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels made significant advances by reaching Bukavu, East Congo’s second-largest city, experiencing minimal resistance from government forces. Witnesses reported that many locals supported the rebels as they paraded through the city following a lengthy march from Goma, where they had captured territory the previous month. Despite the rebels’ presence in various areas, parts of Bukavu remained empty as residents stayed indoors due to the situation.
The M23, among over 100 armed groups in the region, is reportedly backed by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, according to United Nations sources. The ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of over six million individuals, marking it as the largest humanitarian crisis worldwide, with about 350,000 displaced after M23’s advance on Goma. The extent of M23’s control in Bukavu, a city of roughly 1.3 million, remains uncertain.
Blaise Byamungu, a resident of Bukavu, noted the absence of local authorities, stating, “Is the government waiting for them to take over other towns to take action? It’s cowardice.” Analysts suggest the current motivations of the M23 differ from previous incursions, indicating an intention to gain political power rather than just territory.
As the rebels marched into Bukavu, many Congolese soldiers were seen retreating alongside civilians who fled in panic amid reports of looting. Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi held a security meeting concerning the invasion, albeit asserting that the Congolese army still retained overall control of the city.
Concerns over the conflict expanding to the region were expressed by Tshisekedi, with Congolese forces receiving support from Burundi in Bukavu and South Africa in Goma. Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye seemed hesitant to engage directly, emphasizing that his country would not act against perceived profiteers of the conflict.
At an African Union summit, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of respecting Congo’s sovereignty, warning that the situation could escalate dramatically. While calls for a ceasefire and dialogue persist, the international community has been slow to respond decisively toward M23 and Rwanda.
The Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, asserted its commitment to “defending the people of Bukavu” while urging the local population to remain calm. The ongoing conflict is rooted in a history of ethnic strife, with the M23 claiming to protect ethnic Tutsis in Congo from Hutu-led militias associated with the genocide in Rwanda. Rwanda contends that these militias have infiltrated the Congolese military, a claim the latter denies.
The situation in Bukavu demonstrates a significant escalation in the conflict involving Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, highlighting the complexities of regional dynamics and humanitarian concerns. The presence of foreign troops and the ongoing responses from local and international authorities emphasizes the urgent need for stable resolutions and dialogue to prevent further destabilization in the region.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
