Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Bukavu in eastern Congo, aided by minimal resistance from government forces. Over six million have been displaced due to ongoing conflict driven by competition for mineral resources. The rebels state they aim to restore order, whereas the Congolese government struggles to maintain control, raising concerns about a potential regional escalation of violence.
On February 16, 2025, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels occupied Bukavu, the second major city in eastern Congo, according to government officials. The rebels stated their presence aims to restore order following the retreat of Congolese forces from the area. The coalition, known as the Congo River Alliance, framed their intervention as essential for addressing security challenges facing Bukavu’s 1.3 million residents.
Spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka expressed that their forces are dedicated to securing residents and their properties in Bukavu. While government troops retreated, the M23 faced minimal opposition, raising concerns about the government’s ability to manage the situation. The government nonetheless pledged to restore order.
The M23 represents one of over 100 armed factions competing for control over eastern Congo’s mineral resources, vital for global technology. Allegations from UN experts suggest around 4,000 Rwandan troops support the M23 in the region. Meanwhile, over six million people have been displaced amid the escalating conflict, generating a significant humanitarian crisis.
M23 leader Bernard Maheshe Byamungu, sanctioned by the UN for human rights abuses, declared to local inhabitants the need to eradicate chaos left by previous authorities. Cheers erupted from youths urging the rebels to advance towards Kinshasa, the capital. Government officials reluctantly acknowledged Bukavu’s occupation, vowing efforts to regain control.
Concerned residents like Blaise Byamungu criticized the government for abandoning the city. The M23’s apparent intent towards political influence differs from their previous behavior in 2012, indicating potential shifts in the rebellion’s objectives. Tensions are further complicated by ethnic conflicts tied to the M23’s defense of Tutsi identities against historical grievances.
Congo’s President Tshisekedi voiced concerns about regional conflict escalation, as the government received external military assistance. Contrarily, some neighboring nations, like Burundi, have signaled a reluctance to engage further. International bodies, including the African Union, have emphasized the need for dialogue rather than direct military intervention as discussions regarding the conflict intensify on multiple fronts.
The occupation of Bukavu by M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, underscores the escalating conflict in eastern Congo, with serious implications for security and humanitarian issues. The response from the Congolese government raises questions about its capacity to manage such crises. The international community remains cautious, seeking dialogue over military confrontation, highlighting the complex and long-standing nature of tensions in the region.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
