Violence Erupts at Rebel Rally in Bukavu, DR Congo, Causing Casualties

In Bukavu, DR Congo, gunfire and explosions disrupted a rebel rally, leading to reports of at least 11 dead and 60 injured. The rebels, recently seizing control of the city, blamed government forces for the attack, while the President attributed it to foreign intervention. The African Union and UN have called for ceasefire as conflict escalates, displacing approximately 500,000 people.

Gunfire and explosions erupted during a rally organized by rebel leaders in Bukavu, a city recently seized by these factions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo). Videos depict harrowing scenes of chaos, with individuals fleeing the scene in panic, leaving bodies on the streets. According to sources from a local hospital, casualty figures indicate at least 11 fatalities and approximately 60 injuries. This event marked the first public gathering of the Rwanda-backed rebels following their takeover of the city earlier this month amid a swift offensive across the region.

The rebel leadership has accused President Felix Tshisekedi’s administration of instigating the violence, while Tshisekedi has countered by attributing the attack to \”a foreign army\” operating within the eastern territories. The rally featured an address by Corneille Nangaa, leader of the coalition of rebel factions, including the M23 group, during which he assured attendees of future security measures. He stated, \”There will be special units and patrols that will take place in all the communes.\” It is believed that both Nangaa and M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa departed prior to the onset of the violence in Bukavu’s main square.

Nangaa later announced that two individuals had been detained in relation to the attack, and a search for additional suspects was underway. He condemned the violence, declaring, \”This cowardly and barbaric act will not go without consequences.\” Since January, the rebels have been making territorial gains in eastern DR Congo, having already captured Bukavu and Goma, the largest city in the region. This escalation has displaced approximately 500,000 individuals, exacerbating an already critical humanitarian situation, according to reports by the United Nations.

Both the African Union and the UN have urged for an immediate ceasefire and the withdrawal of rebel forces from the areas under their control. Although Rwanda had denied its support for the M23 group, it has recently adopted a defensively nuanced stance, citing security threats emanating from the fighting near its border. It has been estimated by UN experts that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops are currently deployed in eastern DR Congo.

The recent rally in Bukavu by rebel factions resulted in tragic violence, highlighting the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Casualty reports indicate significant loss of life and injuries as tensions between the government and rebel groups escalate. International calls for ceasefires underscore the urgency of addressing the worsening humanitarian crisis as military operations continue unabated in the region.

Original Source: www.bbc.com