M23 rebels have captured the airport near Bukavu in eastern DR Congo, continuing their advance despite international calls for a ceasefire. The fighting has displaced hundreds of thousands, with concerns rising among local residents. As the African Union prepares to address the conflict, calls for effective measures to restore peace are intensifying.
M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have successfully seized the airport serving Bukavu, marking a significant advance in their ongoing campaign. This escalation occurs in the face of international calls for a ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations. The recent actions of the rebels have resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of individuals.
In recent weeks, the M23, supported by Rwanda, captured Goma, the primary city in the mineral-rich eastern region. During the conflict for the Kavumu airport, the Congolese military and allied militiamen withdrew with little resistance. The rebels are now positioned approximately 30 kilometers from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, although local authorities confirm that fighting continues.
According to Jean Elekano, the deputy governor of South Kivu, there has been intense fighting on the outskirts of Bukavu, with government forces still engaged in combat. Meanwhile, residents of Bukavu have expressed growing concerns about their safety, prompting officials to advise them to stay indoors.
The timing of these developments coincides with an upcoming African Union summit in Ethiopia, where discussions regarding the conflict are expected to take center stage. AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasized the need for an effective ceasefire, asserting that “military campaigns are not going to solve these problems.” The urgency for a ceasefire has never been more critical, given the rising tensions in the region.
In addition to allegations of supporting M23, Rwanda has also been accused of deploying its own troops within eastern DR Congo to address perceived security risks from Hutu rebels. President Paul Kagame emphasized Rwanda’s focus on security while dismissing potential sanctions, pointing out that the government’s priority lies in safeguarding its borders amid ongoing instability.
In summary, the escalation of M23 rebel activity in eastern DR Congo, including the capture of the Bukavu airport, has resulted in significant displacement and heightened fears among residents. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the conflict continues to evolve, with regional powers like Rwanda actively involved. Efforts for negotiation and peace maintaining a critical imperative as tensions rise in the area.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
