M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu: A Sign of Increased Instability in DRC
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have occupied Bukavu, the second major city in the DRC, intending to address security challenges under the previous regime. The Congolese government has acknowledged the occupation and emphasized the withdrawal of its troops for civilian safety. The escalating conflict has resulted in significant humanitarian concerns, with millions displaced and thousands reported dead.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have successfully seized Bukavu, marking their control of a second significant city in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The Congo River Alliance, encompassing various rebel factions, recently declared their intention to assist the people of Bukavu in addressing security challenges inherited from the previous government. Alliance spokesman Lawrence Kanyuka noted that their forces aim to enhance security for the local populace and their properties, resulting in widespread approval from the residents.
M23’s Bernard Maheshe Byamungu, under UN sanctions for human rights abuses, remarked on the dire state of local governance, referring to Bukavu as chaotic and pledging to restore order left by the previous administration. The Congolese government, acknowledging the occupation, stated they are working diligently to restore order and territorial integrity. South Kivu’s Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi remarked on the withdrawal of Congolese troops to prevent civilian casualties in densely populated regions, emphasizing his departure from the city due to security concerns.
The takeover follows the M23’s recent capture of Kavumu airport, a crucial military installation for the Congolese army in South Kivu. Observers warn that Bukavu is no longer defensible, as local authority figures have abandoned their posts. A resident criticized the government’s inaction, stating, “Is the government waiting for them to take over other towns to take action? It is cowardice.”
The M23 rebels, one of over a hundred armed groups in eastern DRC, are advancing southward following their capture of Goma, the region’s largest city, earlier this year. Despite claims of an intention to cease hostilities, Kanyuka clarified that they have no plans to capture Bukavu or additional territories.
The ongoing conflict has created a severe humanitarian crisis, displacing over six million individuals. Recent UN reports cite nearly 3,000 fatalities this month alone. The M23 forces reportedly number approximately 4,000 troops from Rwanda, significantly more than during their brief 2012 occupation of Goma. Rwanda dismisses allegations of its support for the rebel group, framing the conflict as a protective measure for ethnic Tutsis in eastern DRC against Hutu factions associated with the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
The seizure of Bukavu by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels represents a significant escalation in their campaign within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Acknowledged by both the rebels and the Congolese government, this development underscores the urgent security challenges facing the region amidst a grave humanitarian crisis marked by extensive displacement and violence. The international community remains watchful as the situation evolves, with potential implications for regional stability.
Original Source: news.sky.com
