Panic in Bukavu, Congo intensifies as Rwanda-supported M23 rebels advance, causing mass civilian displacement. Reports of looting add to chaos; international leaders call for ceasefire amid fears of escalating conflict. The situation highlights the ongoing instability in eastern Congo, challenging government control and threatening humanitarian conditions.
Panic surged in Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo, as residents and soldiers fled from the advancing Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Following the rebels’ approach, many streets were congested with people trying to escape, while looters filled bags with supplies. Despite reports of calm in the afternoon, tensions remained high after Congolese troops retreated southward, leaving a void of safety.
Residents expressed horror at the sight of burned corpses scattered across the streets, victims of chaos created by fleeing soldiers and opportunistic looters. Alain Iragi highlighted the dangers, stating, “They set fire to the ammunition they were unable to take with them.” Eyewitness accounts described looted factories and emptied prisons in the area, increasing fear among the locals.
Lawrence Kanyuka of the Congo River Alliance urged residents to take control and refrain from panic. Meanwhile, Pierre Bahizi, the self-proclaimed rebel governor, called for community organization to restore order. M23’s southward push poses a significant challenge to Congo’s central government and could draw increased international attention as tensions escalate.
The M23 group, supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, continues its territorial gains within Congo’s mineral-rich eastern regions. A successful takeover of Bukavu could provoke a critical examination from the global community, amid calls for a ceasefire from leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron. The ongoing violence has led to nearly 3,000 deaths and left over 350,000 people displaced without adequate shelter.
On Friday, rebels claimed control of Bukavu’s airport, a strategic location facilitating troop resupply and humanitarian efforts. Local officials condemned the rebels for violating ceasefire agreements and preventing the Congolese military from launching operations. Observers noted parallels between the current state in Bukavu and the previous M23 takeover of Goma.
Underlining regional concerns, U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned that continued unrest in eastern Congo could lead to a broader regional conflict. Despite calls for action, African leaders remain divided on effective methods for addressing the conflict, which threatens to exacerbate historical tensions in the Great Lakes region. The evolving situation places additional pressure on the fragile security landscape, especially with Ugandan forces engaging different rebel factions in eastern Congo.
The situation in eastern Congo is deteriorating as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels advance towards Bukavu, leading to widespread panic, looting, and significant civilian displacement. The international community is increasingly concerned about regional stability, with calls for a ceasefire and a return to order. The ongoing conflict poses a serious challenge to Congo’s territorial integrity and raises alarms over potential humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
