The M23 rebel group has been blamed for two grenade explosions in Bukavu, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries at a political rally. Eyewitness accounts suggest aggression from M23 following inflammatory remarks by attendees. The aftermath reveals a precarious security situation, marked by vigilante responses and rising tensions between local self-defense militias and rebels.
In Bukavu, South Kivu, there was a tragic incident involving two explosions attributed to the M23 rebel movement. The attack occurred during a rally on February 27, led by Corneille Nanga of the Congo River Alliance, resulting in 13 fatalities and numerous injuries. Eyewitness accounts indicate that tensions escalated after attendees directed insults at the M23, leading to grenade attacks from their positions in nearby trucks. After the explosions, M23 militiamen reportedly restricted access to the site, preventing the collection of evidence, such as bomb remnants.
The situation in Bukavu is dire, with the local population turning to vigilante justice amid a security vacuum. The emergence of local self-defense groups, such as the ‘Wazalendo’, indicates an ongoing struggle against the M23. Furthermore, the unrest highlights the urgent need for effective law enforcement in the region.
Original Source: www.fides.org
