M23 Rebels, Supported by Rwanda, Capture Bukavu in the DRC
M23 rebels with Rwandan support have captured Bukavu in the DRC, prompting government accusations of Rwanda defying cease-fire agreements. The DRC faces rising chaos and looting, with international calls for disarmament and sanctions against Rwanda for instigating violence in pursuit of mineral resources, especially cobalt.
M23 rebels, supported by Rwandan forces, have taken control of the significant city of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking the second major city to fall in the mineral-rich Kivu region within a span of three weeks, according to government sources. The DRC’s Ministry of Communication reported that Rwandan troops and their allied rebels entered Bukavu, advising residents to remain indoors while the government strives to restore order and security.
The DRC government condemned Rwanda’s actions, accusing it of undermining international efforts to cease hostilities and restore peace in the region, particularly criticizing the violation of recent cease-fire resolutions from a regional summit held in Tanzania. The Ministry stated: “Contrary to the Dar-es-Salaam resolutions… Rwanda persists in its plan of occupation, looting and commission of crimes and serious violations of human rights on our soil.”
As M23 rebels advanced into Bukavu, the city, with a population of approximately two million, encountered no resistance from government forces, who reportedly fled the area. This created a power vacuum that criminal gangs exploited, leading to widespread looting and chaos. According to M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma, “We’re there, we’re there in Bukavu.”
Residents expressed mixed reactions towards the occupying M23 forces, as some ventured onto the streets to welcome them amid scenes of disorder fueled by local gangs armed with abandoned weapons. The U.N. reported that one of its warehouses, containing 7,000 tons of food, was looted following the rebels’ arrival, exacerbating the food crisis.
A recent African Union summit called for the disarmament of the M23 group, and the Congo River Alliance announced a unilateral cease-fire to address the humanitarian crisis attributed to the DRC government. President Félix Tshisekedi has demanded international sanctions against Rwanda, accusing it of inciting violence and militarily intervening for access to the DRC’s rich mineral resources, particularly cobalt, a vital component in electric vehicle batteries. The DRC is a leading global cobalt producer, constituting over two-thirds of the world’s output.
The capture of Bukavu by M23 rebels, backed by Rwandan forces, highlights the ongoing instability in the DRC, emphasizing international concerns over human rights violations and the ramifications of foreign intervention in regional conflicts. The DRC government continues to seek support from the international community to restore peace and security amidst escalating violence and chaos.
Original Source: www.upi.com
