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.
President Trump has issued a warning to the international community, claiming a nuclear-armed Iran would strike Israel "very quickly&quo...
Hundreds of young people in South Korea have gathered in Seoul to take part in a city-backed “power nap contest”, aimed at drawing atte...
Türkiye’s Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz will travel to Armenia in early May to attend the 8th Europe...
The Milli Majlis Temporary Commission on Foreign Interference and Hybrid Threats ...
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to strengthen relations with Vietnam, with a focus on e...
Here are the latest stories from AnewZ’s Africa News programme, focusing on political and security developments across the African continent.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army has suspended its spokesperson after he made discriminatory remarks targeting the Tutsi minority.
U.S. President Donald Trump brought together the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda in Washington on Thursday to sign a peace deal, despite ongoing fighting in the region.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has declared the end of a 16th Ebola outbreak, closing a two month emergency in Kasai Province that pushed national and international teams into an intensive response.
Minval Politika has released further footage it says shows former International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo discussing alleged funding behind campaigns linked to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned “foreigners who commit evil” have no place in the Gulf, outlining a “new phase” for the Strait of Hormuz, while a senior adviser said U.S. blockade efforts would fail and could trigger confrontation.
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters he was "not satisfied" with Iran's latest peace proposal, which was delivered to Washington via Pakistani mediators on Friday (1 May).
Dubai chef Shaw Lash at Mexican restaurant Lila Molino flies in her avocados and tomatillos, small, tart green fruits native to Central America that are a staple of Mexican cuisine and key for her colourful and spicy dishes.
A European Parliament resolution on Armenia is stirring debate beyond Brussels, with its wording raising concerns in Azerbaijan as peace talks gather momentum.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to strengthen relations with Vietnam, with a focus on energy security and critical minerals, following talks in Hanoi on Saturday (2 May).
Trade between Colombia and Ecuador has fallen sharply after new tariffs were imposed, with business groups warning of mounting damage to the cross-border economy.
President Trump has issued a warning to the international community, claiming a nuclear-armed Iran would strike Israel "very quickly" before targeting Europe and the United States.
The United States is withdrawing 5,000 troops from NATO ally Germany, the Pentagon announced on Friday, as a rift over the Iran war widens between President Donald Trump and Europe.
U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Friday broadening U.S. sanctions against the Cuban government, two White House officials told Reuters, as he seeks to put more pressure on Havana.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment