Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have taken control of significant areas in Bukavu, eastern Congo, encountering minimal resistance from government forces. This expansion, including recent successes in Goma, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis with millions displaced. The Congolese government faces criticism for its inaction amid warnings of potential regional conflict, while international responses favor dialogue over decisive measures.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have made significant inroads into Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo, capturing much of the city on a Sunday morning with little resistance from government forces. Witnesses reported scenes of jubilation among residents as the rebels paraded through central Bukavu following their recent acquisition of Goma, approximately 63 miles away. However, many residents remained indoors in some parts of the city, which seemed largely deserted.
The M23 group, which is one of over 100 armed factions vying for control in the mineral-rich eastern region of Congo, is bolstered by around 4,000 Rwandan troops, according to United Nations reports. The escalating violence has led to the displacement of over six million people, creating a major humanitarian crisis, including approximately 350,000 left homeless since the Goma takeover.
The extent of the M23’s control in Bukavu, which hosts around 1.3 million residents, remains uncertain. While rebels have positioned themselves at strategic locations, including the South Kivu administrative office, there was a noticeable absence of conflict or Congolese military presence in most areas, according to reports.
Residents expressed frustration at the government’s apparent inaction, with one local accusing authorities of cowardice. Blaise Byamungu, a 37-year-old resident, commented on the lack of commitment from the government, questioning if it was waiting for further territorial losses before intervening.
Unlike their previous incursions, analysts suggest that the M23 rebels are now pursuing political power. With many Congolese soldiers retreating during the clashes, the chaos has led to widespread panic and looting. President Felix Tshisekedi held a security meeting in Kinshasa and stated that while the city was briefly occupied, it remained under the Congolese army’s control.
Tshisekedi also alerted that the ongoing conflict could escalate regionally, with Burundi and South Africa providing military support. Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye indicated his reluctance to retaliate against Rwanda amid the tensions, emphasizing a peaceful approach in his statement.
The conflict’s implications were highlighted at the recent African Union summit, where UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for respect for Congo’s sovereignty amidst fears of wider conflict. Conversely, international responses have leaned towards calls for a ceasefire and negotiations rather than concrete action against the M23 rebels or Rwanda.
Responding to the situation, the Congo River Alliance affirmed its commitment to protecting Bukavu’s residents while downplaying their presence in the city. The statement urged locals to remain calm and in control, as the M23 claims to advocate for the rights of ethnic Tutsis in Congo amid long-standing ethnic tensions rooted in the region’s history.
The recent advance of M23 rebels into Bukavu marks a significant expansion of conflict in eastern Congo, raising concerns of regional instability. The humanitarian crisis deepens as displaced populations grow, while the Congolese government faces criticism for its lack of a decisive response. International calls for dialogue continue, but concrete actions against the aggressors remain unaddressed, highlighting the complexities of the ongoing conflict.
Original Source: jamaica-gleaner.com
