In Bukavu, Congo, a funeral was held for twelve victims of a grenade blast targeting M23 rebel leaders during a rally. The explosion resulted in 17 deaths, raising concerns amongst residents for peace. M23 rebels and the Congolese government exchanged accusations regarding the attack, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region as the conflict escalates.
On Tuesday, a solemn ceremony was held in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, where twelve victims of a devastating blast at a rally were interred. This incident occurred the previous Thursday in a city currently under the influence of M23 rebels, who are backed by Rwanda. Both the Congolese government and the insurgents have accused each other regarding the circumstances of the attack.
The explosion was reportedly caused by a grenade that was aimed at a convoy of M23 leaders but failed to hit its target. The explosion resulted in 17 fatalities, as reported by Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge, the new provincial vice governor. Initial casualties included eleven individuals who died on the spot, while others succumbed to injuries in medical facilities.
Attendees at the funeral expressed their grief through song, while a priest consecrated the coffins with holy water. Family members, particularly women mourning the loss of husbands and sons, were visibly distraught as the coffins were transported to the cemetery. Claude Balolebwami Nyarubasa mourned deeply for his brother Bruno, who was killed while passing through the square during the incident.
“At the moment, we are very worried, very worried, we ask our government to guarantee us peace… We plead with the government to help us, let these killings stop,” stated Nyarubasa, imploring the government for action. On a related note, the Congolese army claimed that Rwandan forces, along with rebels, had targeted the gathering. However, Rwanda has denied providing any support to M23 rebels.
Corneille Nangaa, the leader of a rebel alliance, attributed responsibility for the attack to President Felix Tshisekedi. This escalation represents the most severe intensification of conflict in eastern Congo in over a decade, stemming from the aftereffects of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the ongoing battle for control over the country’s extensive mineral wealth.
The tragic incident in Bukavu highlights the ongoing violence in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, exacerbated by the M23 rebel presence and international tensions surrounding the conflict. The outpouring of grief at the victims’ funeral underscores the human cost of such violence, while community members call for peace and government intervention. The blame exchanged between the Congolese government and insurgent leaders further complicates the resolution of this enduring crisis.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
