Violence in Bukavu, a rebel-controlled city in eastern Congo, has resulted in 11 deaths in recent vigilante attacks amid rising local unrest following the army’s withdrawal. M23 rebels are attempting to establish order, retraining police under their authority, as residents take justice into their own hands due to perceived threats from criminal activities. The ongoing conflict is exacerbated by the historical context of Rwanda’s genocide and disputes over mineral resources.
Recent attacks in Bukavu, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo controlled by rebels, have resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, marking an increase in vigilante violence. This surge follows the withdrawal of the Congolese army, prompting locals to take justice into their own hands. Witnesses and civil society activists reported that those targeted were accused of crimes such as theft and witchcraft, with some victims’ bodies being publicly displayed.
The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels are attempting to establish order in Bukavu and restore authority, which includes retraining local police officers. Human rights activist Amos Bisimwa expressed concern about the lack of police intervention, emphasizing the need for a functional police force to maintain public order and manage cases of vigilante justice.
The situation escalated after the M23 group advanced into central Bukavu, further intensifying ongoing conflict in the region since the army’s retreat in February. The conflict in eastern Congo, deeply rooted in the historical aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and intertwined with battles over valuable mineral resources, has reached alarming new levels.
Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge, the M23-appointed vice governor of South Kivu, indicated that the populace’s reactions stem from feeling endangered by rising crimes, attributing these actions to perceptions of lawlessness in the community. Despite the unrest, Rwanda denies allegations from Congo, the United Nations, and Western nations regarding its military support for M23, countering that it is only defending itself against a militia threat.
The ongoing violence in Bukavu, marked by vigilante justice and M23’s attempts to assert control, highlights the desperate circumstances of those in the region. With increasing civilian casualties and the failure of local authorities to manage crime effectively, the situation in eastern Congo remains dire. The complexities of foreign involvement and historical grievances further complicate prospects for peace and stability.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
