M23 rebels have seized the airport near Bukavu in eastern DR Congo, intensifying their advance despite international calls for a ceasefire. The conflict has led to significant civilian displacement, with fighting reported on the outskirts of the city. Tensions involving Rwanda persist as regional leaders prepare for an African Union summit aimed at addressing the crisis.
M23 rebels have captured the airport serving Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a significant step in their ongoing offensive. Despite widespread international appeals for a ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations, the advance of the militants has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands over the last few weeks. Last month, the M23, which allegedly receives support from Rwanda, took control of Goma, a vital city in the resource-rich region.
The Congolese army, alongside allied militias, reportedly withdrew from the airport in Kavumu with little resistance. The rebels are now approximately 30 kilometers from Bukavu, where heavy fighting has been reported on the outskirts of the city. The deputy governor of South Kivu, Jean Elekano, reassured that government forces are still present and engaged in combat against the insurgents, despite rising fears among local residents, who have been advised to remain indoors.
This escalation unfolds as African heads of state prepare to convene at an African Union summit in Ethiopia. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the head of the AU commission, emphasized the need for observing a ceasefire, stating that “military campaigns are not going to solve these problems”. He expressed hope for a collective African mobilization to enforce a ceasefire in the region.
Rwanda has faced accusations of supporting the M23; however, the Rwandan government has denied these claims. President Paul Kagame has declared that Rwanda’s primary focus is on security issues, emphasizing that the nation faces threats from Hutu rebels operating in the DR Congo, and he has dismissed the possibility of sanctions. Meanwhile, the Congolese government has accused Rwanda of illegally annexing significant areas within the mineral-rich territory.
The conflict involving M23 rebels in eastern DR Congo continues to escalate, with recent territorial gains raising concerns for the safety of civilians, particularly in Bukavu. International calls for a ceasefire are growing, yet the situation remains precarious, with implications for both regional stability and humanitarian conditions. The involvement of Rwanda and ongoing military actions underscore the complexity of the crisis, demanding urgent diplomatic attention.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
