Gunfire and explosions occurred at a rebel rally in Bukavu, DR Congo, resulting in at least 11 deaths and 60 injuries. The rally marked the first since the Rwanda-backed rebels captured the city from government forces. President Tshisekedi blamed a foreign army for the attack, while rebel leaders promised enhanced security. The violence has led to widespread displacement and heightened humanitarian concerns in the region.
Gunfire and explosions erupted during a rally conducted by rebel leaders in Bukavu, a city recently seized in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Videos depict chaotic scenes of people fleeing in terror, and reports indicate at least 11 fatalities and 60 injuries, as confirmed by a hospital source to AFP. This gathering marked the first held by the Rwanda-backed rebels since their swift takeover of the city from government forces earlier this month.
The rebels have implicated President Felix Tshisekedi’s government in orchestrating the violence, while President Tshisekedi himself has attributed the attack to a “foreign army” allegedly operating in the eastern region. During the rally, Corneille Nangaa, leader of the rebel coalition which includes the M23 group, assured the attendees of enhanced safety and security measures to be implemented in Bukavu.
Nangaa stated that special patrol units would be deployed across various districts, although he and M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa had departed prior to the attack. In response to the incident, Nangaa announced the apprehension of two suspects, with efforts underway to identify additional culprits. He characterized the attack as a “cowardly and barbaric act” that would have repercussions.
Since January, the rebels have made significant territorial gains in eastern DR Congo, affecting approximately 500,000 displaced individuals amid an escalating humanitarian crisis, as reported by the UN. Following the recent violence, both the African Union and the UN have called for a ceasefire and a withdrawal of rebel forces from the areas they control. While Rwanda previously denied support for the M23, it has since adopted a more cautious stance, citing security threats from the ongoing conflict near its borders.
The recent gunfire and explosions at a rebel rally in Bukavu underscore the escalating violence following the rebel forces’ swift takeover of the city. The clash resulted in significant casualties and further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis affecting thousands in the region. As the situation remains tense, calls for a ceasefire from international bodies like the African Union and the UN reflect the urgent need for resolution and safety in eastern Congo.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
