Gunfire and explosions disrupted a rebel rally in Bukavu, DR Congo, leaving at least 11 dead and 60 injured. This was the first such event since rebels took the city from government forces. Rebel leaders blamed the government for the attack, while the president cited foreign military influence. The conflict has intensified, displacing around 500,000 people and triggering humanitarian concerns.
Gunfire and explosions erupted at a rally in Bukavu, a city recently captured by Rwanda-backed rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Videos depicted chaotic scenes with the crowd fleeing in panic, leaving bodies on the streets. Initial reports indicate at least 11 fatalities and around 60 injuries, though casualty figures remain unclear.
This rally marked the first public gathering for the rebels in Bukavu after seizing the city earlier this month from government forces during a swift advance. Rebel leaders accused President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration of staging the attack, while Tshisekedi attributed it to a foreign military presence in the area.
Corneille Nangaa, head of the rebel alliance that includes M23, addressed the crowd, assuring them of forthcoming security measures such as special units and patrols across the communes. Notably, both Nangaa and M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa had reportedly left the location before the attack occurred.
Nangaa confirmed that law enforcement had detained two suspects connected to the incident and promised further investigations. He condemned the attack as a “cowardly and barbaric act” that would merit consequences. Since January, the rebels have aggressively advanced in eastern DR Congo, forcing about 500,000 individuals to flee their homes and exacerbating an ongoing humanitarian crisis, according to UN reports.
The African Union and the UN have urged a ceasefire and the withdrawal of rebels from the territories they occupy. Rwanda, which historically denied support for M23, has recently expressed heightened concerns over fighting near its border, citing threats to its security. UN analysts estimate that 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops are deployed in eastern DR Congo.
The recent attack on a rebel rally in Bukavu highlights the ongoing conflict and instability in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, fueled by both internal strife and external influences. The escalating violence has resulted in significant civilian casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis, prompting calls for international intervention and ceasefire efforts. The complex dynamics involving Rwanda’s involvement further complicate the situation, underscoring the urgent need for resolution and peacekeeping measures in the region.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
