M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have taken control of Bukavu in the DRC amid rapid advances. The Congolese government confirmed their presence but did not declare total control. The local population shows mixed reactions, with some welcoming the rebels while others fear the violence that has displaced millions.
The M23 rebels, supported by Rwanda, have advanced into Bukavu, the second largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Jean-Jacques Purusi, the governor of South Kivu province, confirmed the rebels’ presence on Sunday after Congolese troops withdrew to prevent urban conflict. This development marks a significant territorial gain for the M23 since they captured Goma in January 2023, intensifying the ongoing conflict that commenced in 2022.
The Congolese government acknowledges the rebels’ entry into Bukavu, stating that Rwandan troops accompanied them. While the government has not confirmed total M23 control of the city, it highlighted ongoing violations of DRC’s sovereignty. Reports from various sources indicated that the presence of the M23 rebels was evident, with eyewitnesses confirming their activities in the area. A spokesperson for M23 stated, “We are there.”
According to reports from Al Jazeera, a senior M23 commander reassured residents about the rebels’ authority in Bukavu after Congolese forces fled. The city has faced chaos, including looting and civilian panic; however, some residents have welcomed the rebels, expressing support for change. The situation escalated as the rebels captured the nearby Kavumu Airport, experiencing little resistance.
The crisis unfolds amid an ongoing African Union summit where the conflict is being discussed. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need to avoid regional escalation and maintain DRC’s territorial integrity. A UK Foreign Office spokesperson also condemned the entry of M23 forces, describing it as a violation of DRC’s sovereignty and urging a halt to hostilities and a return to dialogue.
The M23, among more than 100 armed groups in the DRC’s mineral-rich east, continues to be a focal point in the region’s instability. The violence has resulted in the displacement of over six million individuals, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. Since the M23’s advance into Goma, approximately 350,000 people have become homeless, highlighting the critical nature of the situation.
The recent advance of the M23 rebels into Bukavu marks a significant deterioration in the security situation within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The entry of these Rwandan-backed forces, coupled with the retreat of Congolese troops, raises serious concerns about the violation of national sovereignty and the humanitarian crisis affecting millions in the region. The international community stresses the importance of dialogue and a cessation of hostilities as the conflict escalates.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
