M23 fighters and Rwandan troops have entered Bukavu in the DRC amid escalating conflict, prompting severe civilian unrest and international concerns. President Tshisekedi condemns Rwanda’s actions and calls for sanctions while the AU pushes for a ceasefire. The already dire humanitarian situation worsens as thousands flee violence, fearing broader regional implications.
M23 fighters, in collaboration with Rwandan troops, have reportedly entered Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with minimal resistance, according to security and humanitarian sources. This surge follows their capture of the area’s primary airport, heightening concerns among civilians in a city of approximately one million inhabitants.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi condemned Rwanda’s alleged “expansionist ambitions” in the region, which is abundant in minerals. He is prioritizing the situation in Bukavu over attending an African Union summit in Ethiopia, as the conflict escalates and civilian unrest spreads throughout the city.
The atmosphere in Bukavu has become tense, leading to business closures and civilian evacuations as African leaders called for an immediate ceasefire. An urgent plea from civil society groups has also been made to refrain Congolese troops from engaging in combat within the city to prevent further violence.
The resurgence of hostilities has raised alarms of a potential broader regional conflict, especially with various neighboring nations, including South Africa, already deployed in the area. The capture of Bukavu by the M23 could provide them control over Lake Kivu, strategically significant due to its location along the Rwandan border.
Amid ongoing tensions, leaders from the African Union convened a meeting to address the escalating violence. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the outgoing AU chair, emphasized the need for a ceasefire, stating that “military campaigns are not going to solve these problems” and urging unity within Africa to tackle the crisis.
President Tshisekedi, who was absent from the AU meeting, urged international leaders to impose sanctions against Rwanda, identifying it as a primary instigator in the escalating violence. He declared, “What’s needed is to blacklist the real culprit of this situation: Rwanda.”
The violence has led to a tragic loss of nearly 3,000 lives in recent months, according to UN estimates, with civilians suffering from a lack of basic necessities in conflict-affected areas. The humanitarian situation remains dire, as cholera outbreaks are anticipated and agencies face challenges in providing aid to displaced individuals and communities.
With many individuals fleeing to Burundi, local residents express concern about the approaching combat, indicating an increasing sense of urgency. One resident remarked, “It is very worrying because it means war is getting closer to our country.” Such sentiments reflect the growing anxiety about the conflict’s reach and implications for regional stability.
The conflict in Bukavu, driven by M23 fighters and Rwandan military support, has led to significant unrest and a dire humanitarian situation in the DRC. International calls for a ceasefire have been made amid accusations against Rwanda for its alleged role in the conflict. President Tshisekedi emphasizes the need for sanctions against Rwanda as the region prepares for potential escalations in violence, further complicating an already tenuous security situation.
Original Source: www.montanarightnow.com
