M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu, Escalating Crisis in Eastern DRC
The M23 rebels have captured Bukavu, the second-largest city in the DRC, after advancing southward from their recent capture of Goma. Government authorities are urging citizens to remain calm. The situation exacerbates an ongoing humanitarian crisis as the government monitors the presence of Rwandan forces in the region.
M23 rebels have successfully captured Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) second-largest city, as confirmed by the Congolese government. This latest assault follows the militia’s previous capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, which occurred the month prior. The DRC’s communications ministry has indicated that it is closely monitoring this situation characterized by the involvement of the Rwandan army and its affiliates, and is actively striving to restore order and territorial integrity.
The M23 fighters advanced southward and entered Bukavu with minimal resistance. According to Blaise Byamungu, a local resident, the city feels abandoned by government authorities. He expressed his frustration, questioning whether the government intended to act only after losing more towns, labeling their inaction as cowardice.
During their takeover, M23 leader Bernard Byamungu publicly declared their intention to change the existing situation, stating, “We are going to clean up the disorder left over from the old regime.” He urged the populace to embrace this new change, indicating dissatisfaction with their previous conditions.
M23 is among over 100 armed factions engaged in conflict with Congolese forces in the eastern DRC, asserting their goal of safeguarding the interests of Congolese Tutsis and other minority groups. These objectives include protecting against Hutu groups that fled to the DRC following the 1994 Rwandan genocide targeting Tutsis.
Accusations from the DRC, the United States, and other nations suggest that Rwanda supports M23, claims which the Rwandan government refutes. UN experts report that the Rwandan army exerts significant influence over the group, raising concerns about potential regional conflict following M23’s territorial expansion since its resurgence in 2022.
The situation in eastern DRC has become increasingly dire, exacerbating an existing humanitarian crisis. In 2023 alone, fighting resulted in approximately 3,000 deaths and left many others injured. The conflict has led to the destruction of emergency shelters near Goma and Minova, displacing around 350,000 individuals without basic protection, according to United Nations estimates.
On Saturday, a coalition of militias, including M23, announced their commitment to the defense of Bukavu’s populace. Spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka encouraged residents to maintain control over their city and not succumb to panic. In response, the DRC government urged calm among the citizens, advising them to remain indoors to minimize exposure to the occupiers.
In summary, the capture of Bukavu by the M23 rebels signifies a critical escalation in the ongoing conflicts within the DRC. This development emphasizes the implications of regional tensions, particularly concerning Rwanda’s alleged involvement. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, requiring urgent international attention, while the DRC government urges its citizens to remain safe amid the unrest.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
