Abdelrahman
Rwandan-supported M23 insurgents have taken control of Bukavu, the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s second-largest city, capturing the local governor’s office. As the rebels marched into the city center, many residents lined the streets to cheer them on, with little resistance encountered. This marks the second urban center, following Goma, to succumb to the insurgents in a series of recent actions in this resource-rich area.
The Congolese government has confirmed the city’s seizure and has urged citizens to remain indoors to avoid potential risks from the occupying forces. There are growing concerns from the United Nations and European nations that this latest military offensive has already displaced hundreds of thousands and could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
A local resident, speaking anonymously due to safety reasons, conveyed to the BBC that fear prevails among many, keeping them confined to their homes. “Since yesterday, children and young people have taken up arms, firing indiscriminately and looting,” she reported. “Today, the M23 entered and were welcomed by some locals. It’s uncertain if this is due to fear or the lack of local authorities.”
Gunfire remains audible in her neighborhood, indicating ongoing turmoil. Just recently, the M23 captured Bukavu’s main airport, situated approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) north of the city, before gradually advancing towards the provincial capital of South Kivu.
Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki confirmed that as of Sunday morning, the insurgents have indeed occupied Bukavu’s city center, stating that Congolese troops retreated to avoid conflict in the urban landscape. This withdrawal created a security void, leading to chaotic scenarios, including a suspected prison break.
The UN’s World Food Programme has reported significant looting, including a warehouse containing nearly 7,000 tonnes of food supplies. Bukavu, with a population of around two million, lies at the southern end of Lake Kivu and serves as a vital hub for the local mineral trade.
The capture of Bukavu signifies substantial territorial gains for the M23 since the resurgence of hostilities began in late 2021, posing a serious challenge to President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration. Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya accused Rwanda of infringing on DR Congo’s sovereignty through aggressive expansion and human rights violations.
The Congolese government claims that Rwanda’s actions destabilize the region, alleging the presence of Rwandan troops and accusing them of seeking control over local resources—a statement that the Rwandan government denies. President Tshisekedi has called for sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame over current tensions; however, Kagame has dismissed these threats, emphasizing that Rwanda’s primary concern is national security.
Kagame has long expressed frustration over what he perceives as the Congolese government’s failure to manage the FLDR rebel group, which poses a threat to Rwanda. This group includes members of the Hutu militia implicated in the 1994 genocide, during which approximately 800,000 individuals, predominantly Tutsi, lost their lives over the course of 100 days.
On Sunday, M23 troops congregated at the Place de l’Indépendance in central Bukavu, where their commander, Bernard Byamungu, was seen engaging with locals and answering inquiries in Swahili. He urged the government forces, whom he claimed were hiding, to surrender and accused them of inciting fear by arming local youth who subsequently engaged in looting.
The African Union, convened for a heads of state summit in Ethiopia, has once again called upon the M23 to disarm. The AU’s peace and security commissioner, Bankole Adeo, expressed grave concern regarding the potential for an open regional conflict.
