M23 Rebels Seize Control of Bukavu Amid Rising Regional Tensions
The M23 rebel group, supported by Rwandan troops, has seized Bukavu in the DRC, raising concerns about regional instability. The Congolese forces have largely retreated, leaving the city vulnerable to looting and unrest. The international community is urging de-escalation in light of fears of a broader conflict.
On February 16, columns of M23 fighters, allied with Rwandan troops, captured another significant city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This development raised concerns from the African Union regarding the potential disintegration of the war-torn nation. M23 reached the outskirts of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, following their earlier seizure of the airport located approximately 30 kilometers away.
The situation in Bukavu underscores the escalating conflict involving M23 rebels and Rwandan forces, highlighting the international community’s concerns about regional stability. The DRC government insists on the presence of Rwandan soldiers in its territory, while calls for peace and withdrawal from both M23 and foreign troops continue to grow. The future of Bukavu and the wider region remains uncertain as military engagements persist.
Original Source: www.lemonde.fr
