M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This marks a significant advance in their ongoing conflict with government forces in the region.
Rwandan-backed M23 rebels made significant advances in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, capturing the Kavumu airport and entering Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province.
The rebels have been moving southward since seizing Goma, the largest city in the region, at the end of January. Their capture of Bukavu would represent a major expansion of their territory.
A spokesperson for the M23 confirmed that they were in control of the airport and surrounding areas, while reports from the ground indicated gunfire in Bukavu’s northern districts. The rebels were seen marching toward the city’s Bagira area, with local civil society leaders confirming their advance toward the city center.
The M23, supported by approximately 4,000 troops from neighboring Rwanda, is one of over 100 armed groups competing for control of eastern DRC’s mineral-rich region. Despite international calls for a ceasefire and renewed peace talks, the rebels have continued their offensive, taking key positions and displacing more than 350,000 people in the process.
The situation in Bukavu remains volatile, with the capture of the city potentially signaling a new phase in the ongoing insurgency.
Read next
15:11
M23
The M23 rebel group intensified its offensive in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday, pushing closer to the territorial capital of Walikale, according to local media reports.
14:41
Virtual Summit
Southern African leaders gathered virtually on Thursday to address the intensifying conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), focusing on both the deteriorating security situation and the performance of the SADC mission in the region.
20:16
The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a $5 million reward for the capture of three leaders of the Congo River Alliance, including M23 commanders, as the government intensifies its efforts to combat the Rwandan-backed rebels seizing large portions of eastern DR Congo.
15:15
Germany
Germany announced on Tuesday that it is stopping new development aid to Rwanda and reviewing its existing commitments, citing concerns over Rwanda’s role in the conflict in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo.
11:17
As Rwanda-backed M23 rebels make significant territorial gains in eastern Congo, the U.N. Security Council has met in an urgent session, warning of the risk of a wider regional war.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment