Rwandan-backed rebels have taken control of Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the region. The Congo River Alliance, which includes the notorious M23 group, announced their actions as a means to support local residents facing security issues under the previous government.
Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the Alliance, stated that their forces are committed to restoring safety for the people and their property. This claim comes amidst reports from local residents who described a chaotic environment, with M23 fighters asserting that they would "clean up the disorder left over from the old regime." The Congolese government has acknowledged the occupation of Bukavu for the first time, declaring that it is making efforts to restore order and territorial integrity.
The takeover of Bukavu follows the recent seizure of Kavumu airport by M23 rebels, a strategic location for the Congolese military. South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi confirmed that government troops had retreated to avoid conflict in densely populated areas, stating that he and his staff had safely exited the city. Local residents expressed frustration, questioning the government’s inaction and labeling it as cowardice.
M23, which stands for March 23 Movement, has been a significant player among the more than 100 armed groups in eastern DRC. The group has been advancing southward since it captured Goma, the largest city in the eastern DRC, earlier this year. The rebels have claimed to be acting in the interest of the ethnic Tutsi population, which has faced violence from Hutu forces linked to historical grievances stemming from the Rwandan genocide.
Despite previous declarations of a ceasefire and intentions not to capture further territories, the M23 rebels have intensified their military actions, now bolstered by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan troops, according to UN experts. This influx of support is considerably higher than during their brief occupation of Goma in 2012, which ended under international pressure.
The humanitarian situation in the region continues to deteriorate, with over six million people displaced by the ongoing violence, creating what the UN has described as the largest humanitarian crisis globally. Recent reports indicate that nearly 3,000 individuals have lost their lives due to the conflict this year alone.
As the situation evolves, the international community watches closely, with calls for action and support for the Congolese government amid fears that the conflict could spread further into other regions of the DRC.