M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan forces, captured Bukavu, escalating tensions in the DRC. Following minimal defense from the Congolese army, residents faced looting as the armed group established control. International leaders are demanding Rwanda cease its military support, while local residents are urged to form committees for safety. Calls for a ceasefire have intensified amid fears of regional conflict arising from this situation.
On February 16, 2023, M23 fighters, supported by Rwandan troops, advanced into Bukavu, a significant city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). They had previously seized the Bukavu airport on February 14. The city, housing approximately one million residents, was left under-protected as the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) withdrew, enabling M23 to gain control over Lake Kivu after already capturing Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, at the end of January.
The retreat of FARDC from Bukavu resulted in substantial civilian looting and prompted residents to seek shelter. Reports claim around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers are deployed in Eastern DRC. International leaders are urging Rwanda to withdraw its support for M23, while Rwanda denies these allegations, maintaining that its troops are not present in DRC.
M23 has called on the residents of Bukavu to form vigilance committees to maintain safety within the city. They also demanded the expulsion of Burundian soldiers who assist the Congolese military. Gunfire persisted near military bases throughout the weekend, causing further unrest.
With the potential for regional conflict escalating, the international community continues to advocate for a ceasefire. “We don’t want a balkanization of eastern DRC,” stated Bankole Adeoye, Peace and Security Commissioner for the African Union. He emphasized the need for the immediate removal of M23 and its allies from key locations.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres echoed the call for respecting the DRC’s territorial integrity and avoiding war in the region. The conflict with M23, ongoing for over three years, has seen Kinshasa accuse Kigali of seeking control over valuable resources. Rwanda, however, contends that its involvement is aimed at addressing security threats from local militant groups, particularly the FDLR.
The recent takeover of Bukavu by M23 fighters marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, raising fears of a broader regional war. The international community has called for the de-escalation of tensions and respect for the DRC’s territorial integrity. Despite previous accusations against Rwanda, the situation remains complex with multiple armed factions complicating peace efforts in the region.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
