M23 Rebels Advance into Bukavu, Escalating Conflict in Eastern DRC
On Friday, M23 rebels advanced into Bukavu, eastern DRC’s second-largest city, intensifying ongoing conflict with government forces. They also claimed control of a second airport, creating humanitarian concerns as thousands remain displaced. Tensions between the DRC government and the M23 are further complicated by accusations of external support and instability in the region.
M23 rebels made significant advances into the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Friday, entering Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city, as reported by local leaders and civil society organizations. Initial reports indicated that the rebels moved into the Kazingu and Bagira zones, issuing gunfire sporadically throughout the area. Videos shared online depicted the rebels marching toward Bagira, with onlookers expressing concern about the number of rebels present.
Prior to entering Bukavu, the M23 claimed control over a second airport in the region amidst ongoing conflict with government forces. The United Nations expressed alarm as the escalation of violence had left approximately 350,000 internally displaced individuals without adequate shelter. Local reports indicated that M23 had surrounded Kavumu National Airport, where many soldiers were seen fleeing as clashes intensified.
Kavumu airport has become strategically significant since the M23 captured Goma, the region’s largest city, and its international airport earlier this year. Goma serves as a vital trade and humanitarian center, currently hosting around 6.5 million displaced individuals due to the ongoing conflict. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated that the rebels aimed to mitigate threats to civilians from the airport, asserting control over the vicinity to “eliminate the threat at the source.”
The Congolese Communication Ministry condemned the rebels for breaching a ceasefire urged by regional leaders. The ministry alleged that the M23 was “imposing an urban war” by attacking the positions of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), who are attempting to minimize violence in Bukavu. The DRC government has officially labeled the M23 as a terrorist organization, while international bodies categorize it as an armed rebel group.
The situation in eastern DRC continues to spiral, marked by heightened tensions between the government and the M23. The DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting M23 rebels, a claim Rwanda refutes, alleging that Kinshasa is colluding with the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which the DRC denies. Ongoing military operations in the region contribute to increased humanitarian concerns and displacement, raising fears of prolonged instability that could exacerbate regional conflicts.
The M23 rebels’ recent advance into Bukavu signifies a troubling escalation in the longstanding conflict in the DRC, resulting in significant humanitarian challenges. The capture of key infrastructure like Kavumu airport highlights the group’s strategic objectives while the DRC government continually seeks to address the violence and displacement of its citizens. These developments underscore the dire need for sustained diplomatic efforts to address the underlying issues of regional tensions and humanitarian crises in the area.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
