The M23 rebels have entered Bukavu, a major gold trading center in eastern Congo, indicating a significant shift in power dynamics as the Congolese military struggles to maintain territory.
Rebels Capture Strategic City as Conflict Escalates in Eastern Congo
Rebels Capture Strategic City as Conflict Escalates in Eastern Congo
The M23 group takes control of Bukavu, raising concerns over stability in the region.
The escalating conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo sees a significant development as M23 rebels reportedly entered Bukavu, an important trading hub. This advance follows their recent capture of the city of Goma, underscoring the deteriorating situation for the Congolese army.
Witnesses from Bukavu described the absence of resistance as the rebels made their way into the provincial capital, a center for gold trading and smuggling. Willy Ngoma, a spokesperson for M23, confirmed their presence in the city, stating, "We’re there, we’re there in Bukavu."
Videos circulating on social media, corroborated by local residents, showed long columns of M23 fighters parading in the city’s main square. The takeover comes after Congolese soldiers retreated from the area, leaving it seemingly vulnerable. The Congolese government has yet to release any official statements regarding the capture of Bukavu.
If accurate, this development dramatically contrasts with the fierce conflict surrounding Goma, where a recent battle claimed nearly 3,000 lives, according to United Nations reports. The fall of Bukavu would grant the M23 control over two key trading centers in a region rich in minerals, raising pressing concerns about the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in the region.
Witnesses from Bukavu described the absence of resistance as the rebels made their way into the provincial capital, a center for gold trading and smuggling. Willy Ngoma, a spokesperson for M23, confirmed their presence in the city, stating, "We’re there, we’re there in Bukavu."
Videos circulating on social media, corroborated by local residents, showed long columns of M23 fighters parading in the city’s main square. The takeover comes after Congolese soldiers retreated from the area, leaving it seemingly vulnerable. The Congolese government has yet to release any official statements regarding the capture of Bukavu.
If accurate, this development dramatically contrasts with the fierce conflict surrounding Goma, where a recent battle claimed nearly 3,000 lives, according to United Nations reports. The fall of Bukavu would grant the M23 control over two key trading centers in a region rich in minerals, raising pressing concerns about the ongoing humanitarian and political crisis in the region.
