M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have claimed control of Kavumu airport in South Kivu province, a strategic location in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This comes amid ongoing conflicts that have displaced around 350,000 people since January and led to nearly 3,000 fatalities. DRC President Tshisekedi is seeking international assistance to address the escalating crisis.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have reportedly taken control of Kavumu airport in South Kivu province, marking their second airport seizure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This airport is critical for the Congolese army and serves the region’s second largest city, Bukavu. A spokesperson for the M23 confirmed their dominance over the strategic location and surrounding areas via social media, although the takeover has yet to be independently verified.
Local sources indicated that rebel forces are advancing, with civilians noting that Bukavu’s defenses are weakening. The M23 rebels have been on the move since capturing Goma in January and have expressed ambitions to reach the DRC’s capital, Kinshasa. After recent statements downplaying intentions to seize additional territories, M23’s spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka, clarified their position following a declared ceasefire earlier in February.
The group is believed to be supported by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, a number significantly higher than during their previous incursion in 2012. The conflict has its roots in the historic tensions involving ethnic Tutsis and Hutus following the Rwandan genocide of the 1990s, which resulted in substantial loss of life and displacement.
The ongoing violence has displaced around 350,000 individuals since January, with nearly 3,000 deaths reported this month. In light of these developments, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi is actively seeking international assistance to resolve the conflict, attending key discussions at the Munich Security Conference and the African Union summit in Ethiopia.
The M23 rebels’ seizure of Kavumu airport underscores their growing influence in the DRC amid ongoing violence and displacement. With international concerns mounting, President Tshisekedi’s efforts to garner support highlight the urgency of addressing the conflict. The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen as thousands remain in peril due to the renewed hostilities in the region.
Original Source: news.sky.com
