M23 rebels have tightened control over Bukavu, eastern DRC, after capturing the city and increasing fears among residents. With protests erupting in Goma against the U.N. peacekeeping force and dissatisfaction with the government, the humanitarian crisis continues to escalate amid lasting insecurity and unrest in the region.
On Monday, Rwanda-backed M23 rebels consolidated their control over Bukavu, a major city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), just a day after its capture. Approximately 1.3 million residents in Bukavu appeared resigned to the new regime following the withdrawal of Congolese forces; this city is situated 101 kilometers south of Goma, which fell to rebel control in January. The M23, one of over 100 armed groups in eastern Congo, is bolstered by around 4,000 Rwandan troops, according to United Nations reports, competing for the region’s immense mineral wealth critical to global technology.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in the displacement of over six million individuals, marking one of the largest humanitarian crises globally. As M23 forces entered Bukavu, streets were awash with residents seeking to flee and looters taking advantage of the chaos. Initially, a tense silence engulfed the city as citizens braced for the rebels’ imminent arrival, yet normalcy slowly resumed the following morning amid heavy rebel patrols.
Despite gradual ease, residents remain apprehensive about venturing outside due to lingering insecurity. “People are still scared to go out because of the insecurity, so it is not business as usual yet,” confirmed David Balezi, a local shopkeeper. Bukavu’s border with Rwanda was closed, alongside most businesses, although some traffic began re-emerging by Monday afternoon.
Local resident David Munyaga expressed a mixture of hope and uncertainty, stating, “Now we thank God that the situation is OK, even if we do not know what is coming. Whatever happens, we will live with it.” Moreover, Erasto Bahati Musanga, appointed by the rebels as the governor of North-Kivu province, announced that ports in Goma and Bukavu would reopen soon after a ban on navigation in Lake Kivu.
In Goma, under rebel control, extensive protests erupted demanding the withdrawal of the U.N. peacekeeping force, known as MONUSCO, and regional troops from the Southern African Development Community. Protesters rallied outside the MONUSCO headquarters, with banners and chants directed at the administration of President Felix Tshisekedi, urging for significant political change. “The war does not end in Congo, why? They have nothing to do here, they should leave,” lamented protester Bauma Sukali.
The M23 rebels have intensified their hold on eastern DRC, having captured Bukavu and maintaining their influence over Goma, ultimately resulting in heightened tension among residents. Despite efforts to return to normalcy, fears surrounding insecurity persist. Concurrently, demonstrations highlight growing dissatisfaction with the current government, as citizens demand significant reforms amid ongoing conflict. The situation remains precarious, urgently requiring international attention and resolution efforts.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
