M23 Rebels and Allied Rwandan Forces Capture Bukavu in Eastern Congo
Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo – In a significant escalation of conflict, the M23 militia and allied Rwandan soldiers have seized the strategic city of Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. According to security sources and humanitarian organizations, the rebel fighters and Rwandan troops entered the capital of South Kivu province on Friday, having previously captured the city’s airport approximately 30 kilometers away.
Rebel Advance and Casualties
Jean Samy, vice president of the civil society authority in South Kivu, reported that the fighters were present in the Kazingu and Bagira districts of Bukavu and were advancing towards the city center, which is home to approximately 1.3 million people. Sporadic gunfire was heard in parts of Bukavu, Samy said, and videos circulating online purportedly showed rebels marching through Bagira.
The conflict in eastern Congo escalated in late January, when M23 fighters and Rwandan soldiers initially advanced on Goma, the capital of North Kivu province. Despite the M23 militia’s subsequent declaration of a ceasefire, the group launched an offensive last week alongside Rwandan soldiers into the neighboring South Kivu province.
M23 and Rwandan Involvement
The M23 rebels are the most prominent of over 100 armed groups vying for control of Congo’s mineral-rich east. They are widely believed to be backed by neighboring Rwanda, an accusation that Rwanda denies. In late January, the militia captured Goma, the region’s largest city, and has since advanced deeper into South Kivu, reaching as far as Kavumu.
Humanitarian Crisis
According to the United Nations and the Congolese government, the rebellion in and around Goma has already claimed the lives of at least 2,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands. The capture of Bukavu further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis, as the city is home to a significant population and is a major hub for trade and transportation.
International Response
The international community has condemned the M23 offensive and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The United States, United Kingdom, and France have all expressed concern over the escalating violence and urged all parties to respect the ceasefire. The United Nations has also called for an end to the conflict and has dispatched a team to the region to assess the situation.
Outlook
The capture of Bukavu marks a major setback for the Congolese government and raises concerns about the stability of the region. It is unclear what the next steps will be for the M23 rebels and their Rwandan allies, but the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis are likely to continue unless a peaceful resolution can be found.
