Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized Bukavu, marking their second significant takeover in the DRC. The group aims to restore security for residents, following their recent capture of Kavumu airport. The Congolese government acknowledges the occupation, emphasizing efforts to regain control, while the ongoing conflict has resulted in a staggering humanitarian crisis with millions displaced.
The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have overtaken Bukavu, a key city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking their second major conquest in the region. The Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, stated that its fighters aim to assist the local population in addressing security issues left unresolved by the previous regime. This takeover follows M23’s recent seizure of Kavumu airport, a strategic asset for the Congolese military.
Alliance spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, initially against a takeover, remarked that their forces are dedicated to restoring security and stability in Bukavu. He claimed that the population is supportive of their presence. However, M23’s Bernard Maheshe Byamungu, under UN sanctions for human rights violations, indicated that the city had been in a state of disorder and called for a cleanup of the chaos.
The Congolese government has now acknowledged the occupation of Bukavu, stating it is working tirelessly to restore order. South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi disclosed that Congolese troops strategically withdrew from the city to minimize conflicts in populated areas, emphasizing that local authorities had abandoned the city, leading to a power vacuum.
M23, one of many armed groups in this mineral-rich eastern region, has continued to march south since their earlier capture of Goma. Despite announcing a ceasefire, M23 has expressed aspirations of advancing towards Kinshasa, the DRC’s capital. Local residents are increasingly frustrated with the government’s perceived inaction, which they describe as cowardice.
The ongoing conflict has displaced over six million people, creating the world’s largest humanitarian crisis. Recent reports from the United Nations indicate that nearly 3,000 people have lost their lives in the conflict. M23, currently bolstered by 4,000 Rwandan troops, carries a level of support not seen during their brief capture of Goma in 2012.
Rwanda continues to refute claims of supporting the M23 insurgency, framing the conflict as a defensive measure for ethnic Tutsis against Hutu forces linked to the historical genocide of 1994, which claimed about 800,000 lives.
The occupation of Bukavu by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the DRC. Amid government recognition of their dominance, escalating violence, and a dire humanitarian situation, local populations express concerns regarding their safety and governance. The involvement of Rwandan troops further complicates regional dynamics, reflecting the enduring impact of historical ethnic tensions that continue to influence the current conflict.
Original Source: news.sky.com
