The M23 rebels have occupied Bukavu, their second major city in the DRC, amid claims of addressing security challenges. The Congolese government acknowledges the occupation while local frustration grows. The rebels, asserting they aim to restore order, are backed by Rwandan troops, complicating the region’s humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict.
The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have captured their second major city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Bukavu. The Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23 group, announced its presence aimed at assisting residents with security challenges associated with the previous administration. Speaking on behalf of the alliance, spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka indicated that their forces are committed to restoring order and security for the local population.
Bernard Maheshe Byamungu, an M23 official criticized conditions under the previous government, stating that Bukavu residents have been living in chaos. In response to their occupation, the Congolese government has begun to acknowledge the situation, stating efforts to restore order are underway. South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi revealed that Congolese troops have retreated to protect civilians in densely populated areas.
This military action follows the M23 group’s earlier occupation of Kavumu airport, which is vital for military operations in the region. Local sources indicate that Bukavu is now beyond government control, prompting residents to question the government’s apparent inaction. The M23 rebels, claiming affiliation with over 100 armed groups in the region, maintain their advance after previously capturing Goma, the eastern DRC’s largest city.
Despite declaring a ceasefire earlier this month, M23 has voiced ambitions to continue their campaign toward Kinshasa, the nation’s capital. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated a humanitarian crisis, with over six million individuals displaced as a result of the violence, according to United Nations data. The M23, now bolstered by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, represents a significant military challenge to the DRC government.
Rwanda has denied any support for the M23 group but claims it is protecting ethnic Tutsis from harm, resulting from tensions linked to historical genocidal conflicts of the past. The ongoing instability and conflict remain a pressing concern for the Congolese government and the international community.
In conclusion, the M23 rebels have intensified their military campaigns in the DRC by capturing key cities such as Bukavu and Kavumu airport, while exacerbating a significant humanitarian crisis. The Congolese government’s acknowledgment of the occupation signifies a critical turning point, as local populations express frustration over governmental inaction. Rwanda’s involvement further complicates the situation as the international community observes the escalating conflict and its implications for regional stability.
Original Source: news.sky.com
