M23 Rebels, Backed by Rwandan Forces, Enter Bukavu
On Sunday, columns of M23 fighters, allied with Rwandan troops, entered the city center of Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, amidst cheers from some residents.
The anti-government armed group had entered the outskirts of the capital of South Kivu province on Friday evening, shortly after seizing control of the provincial airport located about 30 kilometers away.
Near the border post connecting the city with neighboring Rwanda, some chanted: "We were waiting for you, we need a change in this country, we want work." Others took pictures with "the liberators," as they called them.
The fall of the city of one million people, which occurred without resistance from the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC), gives the M23 and its Rwandan ally total control of Lake Kivu, following the capture of Goma, the capital of the neighboring North Kivu province, in late January.
Most of the Congolese armed forces had left Bukavu on Friday, abandoning weapons that were recovered by civilians and bandits. After the departure of military and civilian authorities, the city was looted at nightfall and throughout Saturday.
International Condemnation and Calls for De-escalation
Since the recent intensification of the conflict, appeals from the international community for de-escalation and a ceasefire have multiplied, so far in vain, amid concerns of a regional war.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, speaking at the opening of the African Union summit in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa on Saturday, reiterated a call to "avoid a regional escalation at all costs." The British government also expressed its fear of a "wider regional conflict" on Sunday.
The French diplomatic service issued a statement calling for the "immediate withdrawal" of Rwandan forces and said it was ready to impose "sanctions." The European Union, in a message on Twitter, stated that it was "urgently examining all options at its disposal."
The DRC, which has been demanding sanctions against Rwanda for months, welcomed what its Prime Minister, present in Addis Ababa, called a "change of narrative" in the international community.
Historical Roots and Complexities
The M23 rebellion is a resurgence of a group of former Congolese soldiers who mutinied in 2012. The group claims to be fighting for the rights of the Tutsi ethnic minority in eastern Congo and accuses the government of failing to implement a 2013 peace agreement.
The Congolese government and the United Nations have accused Rwanda of supporting the M23, a charge that Rwanda denies. Rwanda, in turn, accuses the DRC of supporting the FDLR, a Rwandan Hutu rebel group based in eastern Congo.
The conflict in eastern Congo has been ongoing for decades and has been fueled by a complex mix of ethnic tensions, political instability, and the exploitation of mineral resources. The region is rich in minerals such as gold, diamonds, and coltan, which are used in the production of electronic devices.
Impact on Civilians
The fighting has devastating consequences for civilians. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 2 million people have been displaced by the conflict since March 2022. Many are in dire need of food, shelter, and medical care.
Human rights organizations have documented numerous atrocities committed by both sides in the conflict, including summary executions, torture, and sexual violence.
Diplomatic Efforts
Regional and international efforts to resolve the conflict have so far been unsuccessful. A peace process led by the East African Community (EAC) has stalled due to a lack of progress on key issues.
The African Union has also been involved in peace negotiations, but its efforts have been hampered by the lack of a unified approach among its member states.
The United States and the European Union have imposed sanctions on individuals and entities linked to the M23 rebellion, but these measures have had limited impact.
Outlook
The outlook for peace in eastern Congo remains uncertain. The M23’s recent gains have strengthened its position, but it is unclear whether the group is willing to negotiate or if it will continue to push for military victory.
The international community continues to call for a ceasefire and a political solution to the conflict, but it remains to be seen if these calls will be heeded. The situation in eastern Congo is complex and volatile, and the risk of a wider regional war remains high.
