M23 rebels backed by Rwanda have taken control of Bukavu, DR Congo’s eastern city, following Goma’s fall. This advancement raises fears of a regional war, with residents facing violence and chaos in the absence of governmental authority. The Congolese government condemns Rwandan actions, accusing them of threats to national sovereignty and human rights abuses, while the international community remains watchful of the unfolding situation.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have successfully advanced into Bukavu, marking the capture of the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They have taken over the regional governor’s office with minimal resistance, as residents greeted the fighters with cheers. This seizure follows the recent takeover of Goma, emphasizing an escalating conflict in the mineral-rich area of the country.
The Congolese government has recognized the fall of Bukavu, urging citizens to remain indoors to avoid confrontations with the newly established power. The ongoing offensive has already displaced hundreds of thousands, raising alarms from the UN and European nations about the potential for a broader regional conflict.
Residents in Bukavu report a tense atmosphere, with one anonymous individual expressing concerns regarding rampant violence and looting. “Since yesterday the children and the youth took the weapons. They are shooting everywhere in all directions… We don’t know if it’s because they are afraid or because they found that there were no authorities in the city,” she articulated.
Earlier, the M23 seized control of the city’s primary airport and initiated their advance towards the city center, resulting in chaotic scenes as provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki confirmed their presence. The Congolese military’s withdrawal to avoid urban combat created a security vacuum, catalyzing a prison break and looting of essential supplies.
The fall of Bukavu, a vital transit hub for mineral trade and home to two million residents, represents a significant territorial gain for the M23 during their ongoing insurgency since late 2021. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya accused Rwanda of breaching DR Congo’s sovereignty, citing expansionist tactics and human rights violations, charges that Rwanda has consistently denied.
President Félix Tshisekedi has called for sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame amidst escalating tensions due to the perceived Rwandan support for armed insurgents. President Kagame has dismissed these allegations, claiming that Rwanda prioritizes its national security amid threats from internal and external forces linked to past genocidal events involving Hutu militias.
The M23 fighters have openly challenged Congolese military personnel to surrender, blaming them for local chaos and the rise of youth-led looting. With the African Union expressing concern over the potential for an outright regional conflict, the peace and security commissioner has once again called for the disarmament of M23 forces.
The recent takeover of Bukavu by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels signals a dangerous escalation in the conflict within the Democratic Republic of Congo, following the fall of Goma. Both local residents and the international community express deep concerns regarding human rights violations and the potential for broader regional warfare. The Congolese government seeks to confront and address foreign intervention while the international community watches closely as tensions mount. Unless addressed, the cycle of violence stemming from historical tensions in the region may lead to further unrest and humanitarian crises.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
