A surge in vigilante violence in Bukavu has led to at least 11 deaths, reflecting public frustrations over inadequate law enforcement following the army’s withdrawal. The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, seek to establish order through retraining local police, while accusations of theft and witchcraft fuel mob justice. Historical tensions and resource struggles continue to escalate the conflict in eastern Congo.
In recent violence in Bukavu, a city controlled by rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, at least 11 individuals have been reported killed over a brief period. This surge in vigilante actions follows the army’s withdrawal from the area, according to witnesses and civil society activists. The M23 rebel group, allegedly backed by Rwanda, seeks to establish its authority by demonstrating an ability to restore order while training local police to operate under their governance.
Amos Bisimwa, a human rights activist from Bukavu, highlighted the public’s frustration with the local police’s inaction. “We want to see this police force return to Bukavu so that it can continue to maintain public order and, above all, intervene in cases of mob justice,” he stated. His organization reported the 11 fatalities resulting from vigilante actions, targeting individuals accused of various crimes such as theft and sorcery, in some instances leaving burned bodies in public areas.
Victim Moke Mwayuma expressed her anguish over her brother’s death, stating her firm belief in his innocence. “He is not a thief. What is his crime? We don’t know. We found the fire over there, and he was burning in it,” she lamented. The M23-appointed vice governor, Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge, commented on the brutality, citing the public’s fear of rising crime rates which have given way to these violent reactions.
The M23 militia’s advancements into central Bukavu signify a critical escalation in eastern Congo’s turmoil, which has persisted over decades due to historical conflicts and competition for resources. Rwanda denies providing military support to M23 amid accusations from the Congolese government and international bodies, insisting instead on its need for defense against a Hutu militia operating alongside Congolese forces.
The recent violence in Bukavu serves as a critical indicator of the escalating unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo. With at least 11 lives claimed in vigilante attacks, the community’s desperation reflects the failure of local law enforcement to maintain order. The M23 rebel group’s growing influence further complicates the situation, highlighting the ongoing struggle for power and resources within the region, exacerbated by historical grievances and external tensions.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
