The M23 armed group has seized key locations in South Kivu, DRC, including Bukavu and Kavumu Airport, escalating regional tensions. The African Union summit aims to address potential regional war risks, with calls for dialogue from various leaders. The ongoing conflict is rooted in ethnic tensions and resource competition, complicating peace efforts. The humanitarian situation continues to worsen with significant casualties and displacements.
The March 23 Movement (M23) armed group reported that its fighters entered Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). As the conflict escalates, regional leaders at the African Union (AU) summit aim to prevent the situation from evolving into a broader regional war. Local sources indicate ongoing M23 advances despite earlier claims of no intent to capture the city.
M23 has seized Kavumu Airport, a vital hub for humanitarian and military supplies, which serves as a key defensive line for Bukavu. Following their takeover of towns in South Kivu, panic ensues among residents. Concerns are growing as DRC soldiers and allies withdraw towards Uvira, a strategic hub near the Burundian border, indicating a significant shift in the conflict.
The M23’s action follows its earlier capture of Goma in late January and several additional towns, intensifying violence in eastern DRC. Since late 2021, the group has gained control of several strategic locations, displaying a trend of establishing parallel administrations, significantly impacting local governance and security dynamics.
During the AU summit, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need to avoid regional escalation and initiate dialogue. Burundian President Evariste Ndayishimiye echoed these sentiments, warning of the potential for widespread conflict if hostilities persist, highlighting the urgency of addressing the crisis.
The ongoing conflict is driven by ethnic tensions and competition for valuable DRC mineral resources, complicating peace efforts. The International Crisis Group noted that the fall of Goma has displaced many, increasing tensions in the Great Lakes region, which has a history of resource-driven conflicts.
Despite attempts at regional mediation, peace efforts remain difficult, with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi absent from critical meetings. Angolan President Joao Lourenco, the new AU president, expressed frustration over stalled negotiations while advocating for dialogue as the only path to peace amid numerous continental conflicts.
The M23 conflict ties back to historical issues, including the Rwandan genocide and ongoing accusations between the DRC and Rwanda. The humanitarian situation has deteriorated significantly, with rising violence leading to thousands killed and displaced, compounding the pre-existing humanitarian crisis in the region.
The M23 group’s advances pose a significant threat to stability in the DRC, especially following their recent capture of strategic locations like Bukavu and Kavumu Airport. Efforts to prevent conflict escalation are ongoing, with regional leaders and the UN urging dialogue. Historical ethnic tensions linked to resources continue to fuel the conflict, making resolution challenging. Amidst increasing humanitarian crises, the need for effective mediation and dialogue remains urgent.
Original Source: www.chinadailyhk.com
