Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have seized control of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu in DRC, prompting government acknowledgment of the occupation. The Congolese military has retreated to avoid urban conflict, while local residents express dissatisfaction with the government’s response. M23 has also taken over Kavumu airport, heightening concerns about the humanitarian crisis affecting millions in the region.
In a significant escalation of conflict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have seized control of Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu. The Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, announced that its forces had intervened to assist the local population with security issues stemming from the previous administration’s rule. Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the Alliance, claimed their aim was to restore order and ensure the safety of residents and their properties in the region.
As the situation unfolded, the Congolese government acknowledged the occupation of Bukavu, emphasizing its commitment to reinstating order and territorial integrity. Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi indicated that Congolese troops had retreated to avoid confrontation in populated areas. Following the rebellion, he highlighted that both his residence and office had fallen into rebel hands, ensuring his staff’s safe exit from the city.
This takeover followed the M23 rebels’ recent control of Kavumu airport, a strategic site crucial for the Congolese military. Local voices, including resident Blaise Byamungu, criticized the government’s inaction, asserting that authorities had abandoned the city, leading to calls for a more decisive response to the escalating situation. The M23, identifying itself as a prominent armed group among over 100 in the region, has continued its southward advance since capturing Goma in January.
M23, officially known as the March 23 Movement, has previously expressed ambitions of advancing towards Kinshasa, the DRC capital. Despite declaring a ceasefire earlier this month, Kanyuka asserted there was no intention to seize Bukavu or additional regions. Over six million individuals have been displaced due to ongoing fighting, contributing to a severe humanitarian crisis in the area, as reported by United Nations officials, with casualties estimated at nearly 3,000 so far.
Although Rwanda is accused of supporting the M23 rebels with a contingent of approximately 4,000 troops, the Rwandan government refutes these claims. It depicts the hostilities in eastern DRC as a protective measure for ethnic Tutsis against Hutu factions, which are historically connected to the Rwandan genocide of the 1990s. The current turmoil serves as a stark reminder of the enduring instability in the region, requiring urgent international attention.
The ongoing conflict in the DRC has reached a critical juncture with the M23 rebels’ occupation of Bukavu and strategic locations like Kavumu airport. This escalation highlights the precarious security situation and the local population’s dire circumstances amid government shortcomings. The international community must address the humanitarian crisis and the underlying tensions exacerbated by regional dynamics to restore stability in the affected areas.
Original Source: news.sky.com
