M23 rebels have seized Bukavu, DR Congo’s second-largest city, after capturing Goma weeks earlier. The Congolese government has acknowledged the takeover, warning residents to remain indoors. The situation has led to chaos, with reports of youths armed and looting. The conflict raises concerns of a broader regional war, drawing attention from the African Union and international actors.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s second-largest city, after seizing the regional governor’s office without facing resistance. This marks the second city to fall to the rebels within a few weeks, following Goma. In light of the takeover, the Congolese government has advised residents to stay indoors to avoid confrontations with the occupying forces.
Residents report a climate of fear, with one anonymous local noting that children have taken up weapons, leading to rampant shooting and looting. With M23 rebels entering Bukavu, many residents have expressed enthusiasm for the fighters, possibly out of fear due to the absence of local authorities. Gunfire can still be heard across the city, affecting daily life.
The M23 militants previously captured Bukavu’s main airport and advanced towards the city from 30 kilometers away, prompting the withdrawal of Congolese troops to prevent urban conflict. This situation resulted in chaos, including a prison break, and significant looting, such as the theft of nearly 7,000 tonnes of food from a UN warehouse.
Bukavu, with approximately two million residents, is strategically located near Rwanda, serving as a key transit hub for mineral trade. The fall of this city represents a significant territorial gain for the M23 rebel group since their resurgence in late 2021, further destabilizing the government of President Félix Tshisekedi.
Congolese authorities have accused Rwanda of worsening regional chaos and violating their territorial integrity through direct support for the rebels. President Tshisekedi has called for sanctions against Rwanda, yet President Kagame has rebuffed these threats, focusing on Rwanda’s security concerns, particularly regarding the FLDR rebel group.
The M23 rebels, primarily made up of Tutsi fighters, were seen at the Place de l’Indépendance, where a commander, Bernard Byamungu, was recorded engaging with the local population. He called for the surrender of government forces, criticizing the military for allegedly inciting terror by arming local youth involved in looting.
Amidst escalating tensions, the African Union has reiterated its call for disarmament of the M23. The AU emphasized the risks of an all-out regional war, reflecting the urgency of the situation as leaders convene in Ethiopia for a summit.
The takeover of Bukavu by M23 rebels represents a critical escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, leading to significant instability and humanitarian concerns. The situation has prompted fears of wider regional conflict, with the international community closely monitoring developments. The local populace remains caught in the middle, facing violence and uncertainty as the rebels now hold key territories.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
