M23 Rebels Capture Airport, Escalating Conflict Towards Bukavu
M23 rebels have seized the airport serving Bukavu, advancing further despite global calls for a ceasefire. The situation has led to mass displacements, with residents fearing for their safety as fighting intensifies. The African Union is set to meet to push for peace, amid allegations of Rwandan support for the rebels and ongoing military activity in the region.
The M23 rebel group has recently captured the airport in Kavumu, which serves the significant city of Bukavu in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This advance is occurring despite widespread international calls for a ceasefire and a revival of peace negotiations. As a result of the escalating conflict, many individuals have been displaced in recent weeks, with human suffering continuing to rise.
The M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, previously took control of Goma, a critical city in this resource-rich region. Following their latest offensive on the airport, where Congolese forces withdrew with little resistance, the rebels have positioned themselves approximately 30 kilometers from Bukavu. Tensions are escalating, with heavy fighting reported on the outskirts of the city.
Jean Elekano, the deputy governor of South Kivu, indicated that the Congolese army is still operational and attempting to push back against the M23 forces. Meanwhile, residents of Bukavu have expressed growing alarm and anxiety regarding their safety, prompting local authorities to recommend that civilians remain indoors for their protection.
As this situation unfolds, the African Union (AU) is set to convene a summit in Ethiopia with heads of state across the continent to address the ongoing conflict. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the AU Commission’s chair, emphasized the necessity of observing a ceasefire, stating, “military campaigns are not going to solve these problems.”
Rwanda, accused of supporting the M23 rebels, has denied these allegations while simultaneously facing scrutiny over its military presence in eastern DRC. President Paul Kagame reaffirmed that Rwanda’s primary concern is national security, citing threats from Hutu insurgents operating from Congolese territory and repudiating any considerations of sanctions from the international community.
In summary, the M23 rebels have captured the Kavumu airport, intensifying their advance towards Bukavu amidst growing concerns for civilian safety. Despite international appeals for a ceasefire and renewed peace talks, the conflict continues to displace many individuals in the region. Significant military maneuvers and regional tensions suggest further escalation unless diplomatic resolutions are pursued effectively.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
