M23 rebels supported by Rwanda have captured the center of Bukavu in eastern Congo, claiming control of the provincial administrative office with little resistance. This marks a significant expansion in their operations compared to previous conflicts where only Goma was targeted. The situation has incited panic among civilians and soldiers, with warnings of a potential regional escalation of conflict amid ongoing ethnic tensions.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have reportedly reached central Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo, and seized the administrative office of South Kivu province on a Sunday morning. Their advance faced minimal resistance from government forces, many of whom retreated. Observers noted a mix of local residents celebrating the rebels’ presence while others stayed indoors due to the tense atmosphere.
The M23 group is among over 100 armed factions in eastern Congo, supported by approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, as per United Nations reports. While the extent of their control over Bukavu remains unclear, their presence marks a significant expansion of their reach, differing from past conflicts characterized by a focus primarily on seizing Goma in 2012. Analysts believe the current objective may be a political takeover rather than ethnic struggles.
Witnesses reported scenes of panic in Bukavu, with many Congolese soldiers and civilians fleeing the city amidst widespread looting. In the capital, Kinshasa, President Felix Tshisekedi convened a security meeting, indicating that M23 forces had briefly penetrated Bukavu, although officials claimed the city is still under Congolese army control, accompanied by local militias.
There are warnings from Tshisekedi regarding potential regional escalation due to the conflict. Congolese forces in Bukavu are receiving support from troops from Burundi, while South African forces are active in Goma. Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye hinted at a non-retaliatory stance regarding the uprising, suggesting that any opportunists during Rwanda’s aggression would face consequences.
The Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23, stated its commitment to protecting the people of Bukavu while urging the residents to remain calm and unified. Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the alliance, emphasized citizens should not succumb to panic despite the chaotic environment.
The ongoing hostilities in Congo are deeply tied to long-standing ethnic conflicts, with M23 claiming to defend ethnic Tutsis from perceived persecution by Hutus and their supporting militias, which are intertwined in the historical 1994 genocide. Rwanda accuses these groups of infiltrating the Congolese military, while the latter refutes these allegations.
The M23 rebels’ capture of central Bukavu signifies a notable expansion of their influence in eastern Congo, demonstrating a shift from previous military engagements aimed solely at territorial gains. The situation reflects deeper ethnic tensions and the potential for broader regional conflict, as neighboring countries are involved in supporting Congolese forces. The responses from local governments illustrate the complexity of the situation and emphasize the importance of monitoring developments closely.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
