Gunfire and explosions erupted at a rally in Bukavu, DR Congo, marking a violent escalation for the newly captured city by Rwanda-backed rebels. Casualties reportedly include at least 11 dead and 60 wounded. President Tshisekedi blamed a foreign army, while rebel leaders accused his government of instigating the attack. Humanitarian concerns mount with half a million displaced people as international calls for ceasefire intensify.
Gunfire and explosions disrupted a rally organized by rebel leaders in Bukavu, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently seized from government forces. The chaotic scenes unfolding during the attack forced many attendees to flee, resulting in numerous casualties. Initial reports indicate that at least 11 people were killed, with around 60 injured, as reported by a hospital source to AFP news agency.
This incident marked the first rally held by Rwanda-supported rebels since their rapid takeover of Bukavu. Tensions escalated as President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration was accused of orchestrating the violence. In response, Tshisekedi pointed fingers at a foreign army allegedly operating in the eastern region, intensifying the blame game between the parties involved.
Corneille Nangaa, leader of the alliance of rebel groups that includes the M23, had addressed the rally prior to the attack. He reassured attendees that the rebels would ensure safety in Bukavu, stating, “There will be special units and patrols that will take place in all the communes.” Both Nangaa and his associate Bertrand Bisimwa had reportedly left the vicinity before violence erupted.
Following the attack, Nangaa confirmed the arrest of two individuals in connection with the incident and stated that a search for other potential suspects was underway. He described the assault as “cowardly and barbaric,” promising that it would not go without consequences. Since January, fighting has displaced approximately 500,000 individuals in eastern DRC, further exacerbating a severe humanitarian crisis.
Calls for a ceasefire have emerged from both the African Union and UN, urging rebels to withdraw from seized territories. Rwanda’s involvement has also come under scrutiny; while it once denied backing M23, its recent rhetoric reflects the country’s security concerns regarding conflict near its borders. UN assessments have indicated that an estimated 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops might be present in eastern DRC, indicating potential foreign entanglements in the conflict.
The recent attack at a rebel rally in Bukavu underscores the volatile situation in eastern DRC, where political tensions and violent clashes have led to significant casualties and mass displacements. Amidst accusations exchanged between the DRC government and rebel groups, international organizations are advocating for a ceasefire as the humanitarian crisis deepens. The involvement of foreign troops adds another layer of complexity to the conflict, highlighting the urgent need for resolution.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
