M23 rebels have captured Kavumu Airport while advancing towards Bukavu in DR Congo, leading to widespread displacements. The Congolese army has faced heavy fighting on the outskirts, but the situation worsens amid international calls for a ceasefire. The conflict is exacerbated by allegations of Rwandan involvement, raising regional security concerns.
The M23 rebel group has taken control of Kavumu Airport, which serves Bukavu, a crucial city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite international demands for a ceasefire and renewed peace discussions, the rebels continue their advance, causing significant displacements of local populations. Last month, the M23 seized Goma, another pivotal city in the mineral-dense region.
In the recent airport skirmish, Congolese forces and their allied militia retreated without substantial resistance. Presently, the M23 rebels are approximately 30 kilometers from Bukavu, where clashes have intensified on the city’s outskirts. Deputy governor Jean Elekano reported ongoing fighting, noting that the army is attempting to defend the territory.
Concerns are rising among Bukavu residents, leading to panic and a government directive encouraging people to stay indoors. This escalation coincides with the approaching African Union summit in Ethiopia, where leaders are expected to address the conflict.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, head of the African Union Commission, emphasized the importance of observing a ceasefire, asserting that military action will not resolve the underlying issues. Rwanda, accused of supporting M23, refutes these claims and states that its military presence in the DRC is for its national security, particularly against the threat of Hutu rebels.
The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of illegally claiming portions of its mineral-rich territories. As tensions escalate, both local and international parties call for a resolution to the conflict, highlighting the need for diplomatic engagements.
The M23 rebel group’s capture of Kavumu Airport marks a significant escalation in the conflict in eastern DR Congo, with ongoing fighting near Bukavu raising fears among residents. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the situation remains volatile, driven by regional dynamics and the involvement of neighboring Rwanda. A resolution to the conflict through diplomatic means is urgently needed as hostilities continue to affect thousands of displaced people.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
