Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are advancing toward Butembo, raising fears among local residents. The rebels recently captured Goma and Bukavu, amidst escalating violence and humanitarian concerns in eastern Congo. The situation has drawn international condemnation, with calls for Rwanda to withdraw its forces and investigations into human rights violations by all parties involved.
Residents in eastern Congo expressed fears as Rwanda-backed rebels advance toward Butembo, the third major city under threat. Auguste Kombi, a local civil society leader, reported that significant Congolese army positions along the route were attacked, leading to deteriorating security conditions. This advancement follows the rebels’ previous capture of Goma, a city of over two million people, and Bukavu, another provincial capital, raising alarms among civilians.
The M23 rebels are expanding their control in a region rich in minerals essential for global technology. Analysts suggest that the M23’s ambitions extend beyond territorial gains, signaling a desire for political power reminiscent of their 2012 campaign. The situation remains volatile, with nearby towns like Lubero surrounded by M23 forces yet still under the control of the Congolese army, as local officials warn of potential humanitarian crises similar to those experienced in Goma.
Concerns are growing over Rwanda’s involvement, with accusations of the country supporting the M23 to protect Tutsis in Congo amidst fears of ethnic violence. The U.K. Foreign Office has condemned the actions of the rebels as a violation of Congo’s sovereignty, urging Rwanda to withdraw its Defense Force troops from Congolese territory. There has been no immediate reaction from the Rwandan government regarding these claims.
As armed groups persist in eastern Congo, displacing millions, the M23’s military maneuvers threaten to further escalate the humanitarian crisis. Notably, Uganda has recently deployed troops into Bunia, a city further north, to combat violence from armed factions. Meanwhile, the U.N. human rights office has accused the rebels of engaging in grave human rights abuses, including the killing of children and attacks on humanitarian aid facilities, prompting international condemnation and calls for investigations into these atrocities.
The advancing M23 rebels, with backing from Rwanda, pose a significant threat to eastern Congo, raising fears among residents as they approach another major city, Butembo. Local and international officials are increasingly concerned about the implications of this conflict on regional security and humanitarian conditions. The involvement of international actors, including Uganda and the U.K., highlights the broader geopolitical stakes tied to the ongoing crisis in the region.
Original Source: www.thehindu.com
