Bukavu, DRC—Chaos has erupted as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels reach the city’s outskirts, triggering gunfire, looting, and fears of further escalation.
Chaos has erupted in Bukavu, eastern Congo, as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels reach the city's outskirts. Reports indicate sporadic gunfire and widespread looting across the area.
The World Food Programme has confirmed that 6,800 tonnes of food from its warehouse in Bukavu are being looted, with large crowds making off with sacks of supplies.
The rebels have been advancing south toward Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, since seizing Goma—the region’s largest city—at the end of last month.
United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has called for dialogue between the warring parties in eastern Congo. Speaking at an African Union summit in Addis Ababa, he stressed that military force is not the solution, emphasizing that peace can only be achieved through negotiations.
Concerns over a potential regional conflict have grown as the rebels continue their push south. Leaders from Eastern and Southern African regional blocs urged all parties to engage in direct talks last weekend.
However, Congolese President, Félix Tshisekedi, has refused to negotiate with the M23. He also canceled his appearance at the African Union summit, opting to send his prime minister in his place. Meanwhile, Rwandan President, Paul Kagame, has repeatedly denied supporting the M23.
The United States has warned of potential sanctions against Rwandan and Congolese officials, while the European Parliament has urged the European Union to suspend direct budgetary support to Rwanda.
If Bukavu, a city of about two million people, falls to the M23, it would mark the largest territorial expansion by the rebels since their insurgency resumed in 2022. Such a loss would further undermine Kinshasa’s authority in Congo’s eastern borderlands, a region rich in minerals.
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