The M23 rebels captured Bukavu in the DRC with Rwandan support, becoming the second city taken in three weeks. The DRC government condemned Rwanda’s involvement and sought to restore order while urging residents to stay home. Amid chaos and looting, the situation has escalated, with international calls for disarmament of M23 forces amid accusations of human rights violations and resource exploitation by Rwanda.
On February 17, UPI reported that the M23 rebel faction in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) successfully seized control of Bukavu, a significant city in the mineral-rich Kivu region, with the support of Rwandan military forces. This incident marks the second major city to succumb to the M23 in a span of three weeks. The DRC government confirmed that Rwandan troops, along with M23 rebels, entered Bukavu and are actively monitoring the unfolding situation.
The situation unraveling in the Democratic Republic of Congo, particularly with the M23 rebels’ advancements in Bukavu and their backing from Rwanda, highlights ongoing regional tensions and severe humanitarian challenges. DRC officials have called for international intervention while citing gross human rights violations attributed to Rwandan forces. The conflict’s complexities, especially regarding the valuable natural resources of the region, underscore the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions and humanitarian assistance.
Original Source: www.upi.com
