Abdelrahman
M23 Rebels Advance into Bukavu, DR Congo Amid Turmoil
Rebels from the M23 group have successfully entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). According to Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the Congo River Alliance—which incorporates M23 factions—these militants made their way into the capital of South Kivu province on Friday evening and plan to continue their offensive into Saturday.
This push by Rwandan-backed rebels is occurring despite widespread international calls for a ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations. The ongoing conflict has displaced hundreds of thousands of residents in the past few weeks.
Last month, the Tutsi-led M23, supported by Rwanda, seized control of Goma, a key city in the mineral-rich eastern region. The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of instigating unrest to exploit local resources, allegations that Rwanda has vehemently refuted.
The M23 had previously taken Goma during a conflict in 2012, but capturing Bukavu would mark a significant turning point in the recent tumultuous history of this area. Bukavu, located near the Rwandan border at the southern end of Lake Kivu, plays a crucial role in the local mineral trade.
On Friday, rebel forces advanced as far as the airport, situated about 30 kilometers (19 miles) north of Bukavu, while the Congolese army, along with their allied militia, retreated with little resistance. Despite this, heavy fighting erupted on the outskirts of the city, as reported by South Kivu’s Deputy Governor, Jean Elekano. Local residents advised by authorities have been urged to stay indoors amid these developments.
At the Munich Security Conference, DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi called for sanctions against Rwanda, accusing it of having "expansionist ambitions." He stated: “We will no longer tolerate the plundering of our strategic resources for the benefit of foreign interests while chaos reigns."
In addition to being accused of supporting the rebels, which Rwanda denies, reports suggest that Rwandan troops may also be present in eastern DR Congo. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has asserted that his nation’s focus is on security, citing threats posed by Hutu rebel groups in DR Congo, and has dismissed sanction threats as unfounded.
The timing of this latest military advancement coincides with an African Union (AU) summit in Ethiopia, where African leaders are expected to discuss the ongoing crisis. AU Commission Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasized the necessity for a ceasefire and expressed hope for a collective African approach to resolving these issues, stating that “military actions will not solve anything.”
This report includes contributions from Malu Cursino and Alfred Lasteck.
