Twelve victims of a grenade explosion at a rally in eastern Congo were buried during a ceremony organized by new rebel authorities. The blast, occurring in Bukavu, resulted in the deaths of 17 individuals. Witnesses reported that the grenade, intended for rebel leaders, missed its target. Both the government and M23 rebels are blaming each other for the attack, heightening tensions in a region plagued by conflict and violence.
On Tuesday, a funeral service was held for twelve victims of a deadly explosion at a rally in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The rally was organized by newly installed rebel authorities amid ongoing violence in the region, which has been controlled by the M23 rebels since February. The clashes involved accusations from both the Congolese government and the M23 insurgents regarding responsibility for the deadly incident.
The explosion occurred last Thursday as a grenade, aimed at a convoy of rebel leaders, struck in the city’s central square instead. According to Provincial Vice Governor Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge, 17 individuals were killed—11 died on site while the rest succumbed to injuries later in hospitals. The tragedy has amplified fears among local residents, who mourn the dead at the funeral, where a priest performed rites over the coffins.
The attack in Bukavu marks a severe escalation in the conflict ongoing in eastern Congo and highlights the complicated dynamics involving various armed groups and their alleged foreign support. Local calls for peace and governmental intervention are growing as communities continue to grieve the losses from violence. The international focus on the region remains vital in understanding and addressing the deeper issues at play, including resource struggles and historical tensions.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
