M23 rebels have entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23 rebels, confirmed to Reuters that the rebels arrived in the South Kivu provincial capital on Friday evening. He added that they would continue their advance on Saturday.
The militants, who are backed by Rwanda, are making progress despite international calls for a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks.
As a result of the rebel advance, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced from their homes in recent weeks.
Last month, the Tutsi-led M23 rebel group, supported by neighboring Rwanda, seized Goma, the main city in the mineral-rich east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Congolese government accuses Rwanda of destabilizing the region to gain access to its resources, although Rwanda denies the allegations.
While M23 briefly captured Goma in 2012, the capture of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, marks a new phase in the region’s turmoil. Bukavu, located on the southern tip of Lake Kivu and bordering Rwanda, is a key transit point for the local mineral trade.
On Friday, rebel forces had entered the airport about 30km north of Bukavu, while the Congolese army and an allied militia withdrew without significant resistance. However, heavy clashes were reported on the outskirts of the city, according to South Kivu’s Deputy Governor Jean Elekano.
In a village further north, Mayba, local media reported that 70 bodies were found tied up in a church. These deaths are attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic State-linked group, though the BBC has not confirmed the reports.
Residents in Bukavu have been advised to remain indoors, with tensions high in the city. DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, called for sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of expansionist ambitions and the exploitation of DRC’s resources.
Rwanda, which denies supporting the rebels, has also been accused of having its troops in eastern DRC. Rwandan President Paul Kagame defended his country’s actions, stating that Rwanda’s priority is security, particularly in light of threats from Hutu rebels in DRC.
The latest advance by the M23 comes as African Union (AU) heads of state are set to meet in Ethiopia for a summit on Saturday. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the AU Commission chair, emphasized the need for a ceasefire, stressing that military campaigns alone will not resolve the conflict. He expressed hope for a united effort across Africa to enforce a ceasefire.
- M23 Rebel Advance: M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have entered Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, marking a new phase in the conflict in eastern DRC.
- Previous Seizures: M23 previously seized Goma in 2012. The capture of Bukavu is seen as a significant escalation in the region’s instability.
- Strategic Importance: Bukavu, located on Lake Kivu and bordering Rwanda, is a key transit point for the local mineral trade.
- Clashes and Casualties: Heavy clashes occurred on the outskirts of Bukavu, and 70 bodies were reportedly found in the village of Mayba, attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
- President Tshisekedi’s Call: DRC President Félix Tshisekedi called for sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of expansionist ambitions and exploiting DRC’s resources.
- Rwanda’s Defense: Rwandan President Paul Kagame defended his country’s actions, citing security concerns related to Hutu rebels in DRC.
- AU Summit and Ceasefire: African Union leaders are scheduled to meet in Ethiopia, with Moussa Faki Mahamat emphasizing the need for a ceasefire and stating that military campaigns will not solve the issues.