In a significant development, M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have taken control of Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. This takeover included the seizure of the regional governor’s office, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict in the mineral-rich region.
As the rebels advanced into the city, many residents lined the streets to express their support, clapping and cheering as they passed, indicating a lack of resistance from the Congolese forces. This marks the second urban area, following Goma, to succumb to the M23 in recent weeks. The Congolese government has acknowledged the loss of Bukavu and has advised residents to remain indoors to avoid confrontation with the occupying forces.
Fear and chaos in the streets
A local resident, who chose to remain anonymous for safety reasons, shared her fears of venturing outside. “Since yesterday the children and the youth took the weapons. They are shooting everywhere in all directions, they are looting,” she recounted. The atmosphere in Bukavu remains tense, with reports of gunfire echoing in the background as the community grapples with the sudden shift in control.
On Friday, M23 forces had previously captured the main airport located about 30 kilometers north of the city, gradually making their way into Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Provincial governor Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki confirmed the presence of M23 fighters in the city center by Sunday morning, noting that Congolese troops retreated to prevent urban combat.
Escalating humanitarian concerns
The rapid takeover has created a security void, leading to chaotic scenes, including a prison break from the local penitentiary. The UN World Food Programme reported that a warehouse containing nearly 7,000 tonnes of food supplies was looted during the unrest, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Bukavu, with a population of around two million, is strategically located on the southern shore of Lake Kivu and serves as a crucial transit point for the local mineral trade. The fall of Bukavu represents a substantial territorial gain for the M23, intensifying the challenges for President Félix Tshisekedi’s government.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya condemned Rwanda’s actions, accusing it of infringing on DR Congo’s sovereignty and committing human rights violations. The Congolese government claims Rwanda is destabilizing the region and benefitting from its resources, allegations that Kigali firmly denies.
Amidst the growing unrest, President Tshisekedi has called for sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame. However, Kagame has dismissed these threats, emphasizing that Rwanda prioritizes its national security amidst concerns over the presence of the FLDR rebel group, which he views as a threat.
Troops from the Tutsi-led M23 gathered at the Place de l’Indépendance in central Bukavu on Sunday, where one of its commanders, Bernard Byamungu, was filmed chatting to locals and answering their questions in Swahili.
The African Union, currently holding a summit in Ethiopia, expressed grave concerns about the potential for an expanded regional conflict. AU peace and security commissioner Bankole Adeo emphasized the urgent need for the M23 to disarm, stating, “We are all very, very concerned about an open regional war.”