M23 fighters, with Rwandan military support, entered Bukavu, DR Congo, facing little resistance, raising concerns of a broader regional conflict. President Tshisekedi condemned Rwanda’s actions, prioritizing monitoring developments over attending an African Union summit. Civilian panic ensued with urgent calls for the protection of non-combatants, as violence escalated and humanitarian conditions deteriorated.
M23 fighters, alongside Rwandan troops, advanced into the provincial capital of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo on Friday, facing little opposition, according to security and humanitarian sources. Bukavu, situated in South Kivu province, is a city of approximately one million residents, and its strategic airport was reportedly seized without resistance, heightening concerns in the region.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi condemned Rwanda’s alleged “expansionist ambitions” within this mineral-rich region, asserting that Rwanda supports the M23, an anti-government armed group. The escalating situation prompted President Tshisekedi to forgo attending an African Union summit in Ethiopia, emphasizing the priority of monitoring developments on the ground.
As the military buildup prompted civilian panic, shops shuttered and residents fled in fear. The dire conditions fueled urgent calls from civil groups for Congolese troops to refrain from fighting within the city’s limits, seeking to preserve civilian safety amidst increasing hostilities.
The recent surge in violence has raised alarms of a possible regional conflict, with several neighboring countries already having military presences in the area. The capture of Bukavu by M23 would symbolize significant control over the surrounding Lake Kivu area, which directly borders Rwanda.
In response to rising tensions, African leaders convened for an emergency meeting, reinforcing a call for a ceasefire. Outgoing chair of the African Union, Moussa Faki Mahamat, emphasized, “Military campaigns are not going to solve these problems,” advocating for a collective diplomatic approach.
President Tshisekedi, however, refrained from joining the African Union meeting while accusing Rwanda of exacerbating the situation. He urged the international community to impose strict sanctions against Kigali, calling for accountability concerning the exploitation of DRC’s resources.
In summary, the situation in Bukavu escalated significantly as M23 fighters and Rwandan troops entered the city, prompting widespread fear among civilians. President Tshisekedi condemned Rwanda for its role in the conflict, while calls for a ceasefire have emerged from African leaders. The risks of broader violence are apparent, with humanitarian conditions deteriorating rapidly. With numerous military actors involved, the prospects for peace remain fragile.
Original Source: www.montanarightnow.com
