M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu: A Growing Crisis in DR Congo

The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has captured Bukavu, causing panic and chaos among residents. The fall of this strategic city signals an alarming expansion of rebel control and raises fears of escalating violence in the region.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of Congo's second-largest city, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict in the eastern region. Residents of Bukavu welcomed the fighters, cheering as they marched into the city without facing any resistance. This comes just weeks after Goma also fell to the same group, further complicating the already tense situation in the area.

In light of the recent military advancements, the Congolese government has urged its citizens to remain indoors to avoid conflict with the occupying forces. The international community, including the United Nations and various European nations, have expressed serious concerns that this recent escalation may lead to a broader regional war.

A local resident, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, described a climate of fear and lawlessness in Bukavu. Reports of gunfire and looting have surfaced as armed youths take advantage of the power vacuum left by the retreating Congolese military. Following the M23’s capture of the main airport near Bukavu, government troops withdrew to prevent urban confrontation, leaving the city vulnerable.

With a population of approximately two million, Bukavu is a crucial hub for mineral trade and sits on the southern shores of Lake Kivu, close to the Rwandan border. This strategic victory for the M23 represents a major territorial gain since the insurgency reignited in late 2021, further challenging President Félix Tshisekedi’s administration.

Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya has accused Rwanda of undermining DR Congo’s sovereignty and instigating chaos for its resource gains. The Rwandan government, however, claims its actions are motivated by security concerns, particularly regarding the presence of the FLDR rebel group, comprised of Hutu militia associated with the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

On the ground, M23 Commander Bernard Byamungu met with local residents, calling on remaining Congolese forces to surrender while condemning the military's actions. The African Union (AU) has called for M23 disarmament, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent the conflict from escalating into a regional war as leaders continue to hold summit discussions in Ethiopia.