Rwanda-Backed Rebels Capture Key City in DRC Conflict Zone
AFP Some individuals came out to cheer for M23 rebels as they entered Bukavu without facing any resistance over the weekend. The Rwandan-backed M23 fighters have taken control of Bukavu, which is the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and seized the regional governor’s office. Spectators lined up along the streets to clap and cheer as the rebels marched into the city center unchallenged.
This development marks a significant escalation in recent weeks as M23 rebels have captured not only Bukavu but also Goma, another major urban center in mineral-rich regions of Congo. The Congolese government has officially acknowledged that their control over Bukavu has been lost and advised residents to stay indoors for safety reasons. International bodies such as the UN and European nations are sounding alarms about the potential consequences of this offensive, including a possible larger-scale regional conflict with hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes.
What is driving the fighting in DR Congo? Who stands behind these conflicts within DR Congo’s borders? Evidence that Rwanda has been supporting rebels inside Democratic Republic of Congo The unrest has led to fears and uncertainty among residents. A local inhabitant, who requested anonymity due to safety concerns, shared with BBC their observations from Sunday:
“Since yesterday the children and young people have taken up weapons. They are shooting in all directions; there’s looting happening everywhere,” they recounted.
They continued, “This morning when M23 entered the city, they were cheered by many residents who seem happy to see them. I don’t know if it is due to fear or because people realized that there are no authorities left in town.”
A loud crackling of gunfire could still be heard where this individual lives.
On Friday, M23 captured Bukavu’s main airport, approximately 30 kilometers north of the city. Then they gradually advanced toward Bukavu, which serves as the capital for South-Kivu province. The provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki confirmed to Reuters that by Sunday morning, fighters had occupied the center of the city.
Congolese troops withdrew from urban areas to avoid combat; this left a security vacuum in Bukavu on Saturday. Among several chaotic events reported was an alleged prison break at the central prison. Furthermore, the UN World Food Programme (WFP) has revealed that nearly 7,000 tonnes of food stored in a warehouse were looted.
Bukavu is home to over two million people and lies on the southern tip of Lake Kivu bordering Rwanda; it serves as an essential transit point for local mineral trade. M23’s recent expansion into Bukavu represents unprecedented territorial gains since their insurgency began in late 2021, marking a significant setback for President Flix Tshisekedis government.
The Congolese administration accuses Rwanda of violating DR Congo’s territorial integrity through aggressive ambitions and human rights violations. In turn, President Kagame from Rwanda dismisses such allegations – insisting that his nation prioritizes security concerns over the matter at hand.
Troops from M23 rallied in Place de l’Indpendance in central Bukavu on Sunday morning. One of its commanders, Bernard Byamungu, was filmed conversing with locals and addressing their inquiries in Swahili. He urged government forces hiding indoors to surrender while also criticizing the withdrawing military for inciting widespread looting by arming local youths.
The African Union (AU), currently holding a heads of state summit in Ethiopia, reiterated its demand that M23 disarm and expressed significant worry about an open regional war breaking out. According to Reuters quoting AU’s peace and security commissioner Bankole Adeo: “We are all very, very concerned about this.”
