M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu: Escalation of Conflict in DRC

M23 rebels have captured Bukavu in Eastern DRC, the second city to fall to them in weeks. Local residents have expressed fear and confusion as the Congolese government acknowledges the takeover. With significant looting reported and a security void in the city, international warnings about a potential regional conflict increase. Political tensions between the DRC and Rwanda complicate the situation further, as each side accuses the other of wrongdoing.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have captured Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, successfully taking over the regional governor’s office. The insurgents entered the city without facing any resistance, met with some cheers from the public. Bukavu’s fall marks the second city, following Goma, to succumb to M23 in a matter of weeks, exacerbating the already volatile situation in the mineral-rich region.

The Congolese government has confirmed the takeover and has advised residents to remain indoors to avoid confrontations with the occupying forces. This latest offensive has displaced hundreds of thousands from their homes, prompting warnings from the United Nations and European nations regarding the potential for a larger regional conflict.

A local resident in Bukavu, wishing to remain anonymous for safety reasons, reported significant fear among the populace. She observed that youth were armed and firing weapons indiscriminately. The emotional state of the residents appears mixed, as some welcomed the M23 fighters, potentially due to the absence of local authorities. The sound of gunfire persists in her neighborhood, reflecting the ongoing turmoil.

M23 had seized Bukavu’s main airport, located about 30 kilometers north, and began its advance toward the city. Reports indicate that Congolese military forces retreated to circumvent urban warfare, creating a security vacuum that has led to looting and chaos, including a prison break from the central facility. The World Food Programme reported a significant looting incident involving a warehouse with 7,000 tonnes of food supplies.

As Bukavu, which has a population of approximately two million and borders Rwanda, fell to rebel control, the territorial expansion of M23 since their resurgence in late 2021 highlights a setback for President Félix Tshisekedi’s government. A government spokesperson accused Rwanda of violating Congolese sovereignty and perpetuating human rights violations to exploit the region’s resources, charges that Rwanda denies.

President Tshisekedi has called for sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame due to the unrest. However, President Kagame has dismissed such threats, emphasizing Rwanda’s concern for national security amidst perceived threats from the DR Congo-based FLDR rebel group, linked to the tragic events of the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

In Bukavu, a commander of the M23, Bernard Byamungu, was seen encouraging local surrender of government forces hiding in residences and blaming them for arming civilians, which has led to rampant looting. The African Union has once again urged M23 to disarm, voicing concerns over the potential for broader conflict in the region.

The capture of Bukavu by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels signifies a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This takeover, along with warnings from international observers about the potential for wider regional warfare, underscores the need for urgent humanitarian assistance and strategic interventions to stabilize the situation. Political tensions between the DRC and Rwanda remain high, exacerbating fears of further violence and instability in the region.

Original Source: www.bbc.com