M23 Rebels Capture Key Airport in Escalating DR Congo Conflict
M23 rebels have captured Bukavu’s airport in eastern DR Congo, amid international calls for a ceasefire. The rebel offensive, backed by Rwanda, has displaced hundreds of thousands. Reports of heavy fighting persist around Bukavu, with authorities urging locals to stay indoors. The African Union calls for a ceasefire as tensions mount between DR Congo and Rwanda over territorial accusations.
M23 rebels have intensified their offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo by capturing the airport serving Bukavu. This development occurs despite mounting international calls for a ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations. The rebel advance has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of individuals in recent weeks, exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Last month, the M23, allegedly supported by neighboring Rwanda, gained control of Goma, the prominent city in the mineral-rich eastern region. In the recent confrontation for the airport located in Kavumu, the Congolese army and allied militias withdrew with minimal resistance, indicating a significant loss of ground for the government forces.
Currently, the rebels are positioned approximately 30 kilometers from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Deputy Governor Jean Elekano reported that fierce fighting continues on the outskirts, although the army remains engaged. Local residents have expressed growing panic, prompting authorities to instruct the population to stay indoors as a precautionary measure.
The heightened conflict arises ahead of an African Union summit in Ethiopia, where leaders are expected to address the situation. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the head of the African Union Commission, emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire, asserting that military solutions would not resolve the underlying issues. He expressed hope for a collective effort among African nations to enforce peace.
Rwanda has faced accusations of supporting the rebels, which it denies, while also purportedly deploying its own military forces in eastern DR Congo. President Paul Kagame has stated that Rwanda’s paramount concern is security, citing threats from Hutu rebels operating within Congo. The Congolese government has further accused Rwanda of attempting to illegally annex valuable mineral territories, highlighting the complexities of the conflict.
The ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo has escalated with M23 rebels capturing key strategic locations, including the airport serving Bukavu. The situation is further complicated by allegations of Rwandan involvement, as well as widespread displacement among the local population. As regional leaders convene to seek solutions, the urgent call for a ceasefire underscores the need for diplomacy over military action to address the crisis effectively.
Original Source: www.bbc.co.uk
