M23 rebels in the DRC have reportedly seized Kavumu airport in South Kivu, marking their second airport takeover. Local reports suggest that rebels are advancing on the city of Bukavu, which is deemed at risk. The group, backed by Rwandan forces, expresses intentions beyond local control while DRC President Tshisekedi seeks international support amid increasing violence and displacement.
The Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have declared control of Kavumu airport in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s South Kivu province, marking their second airport takeover in recent days. This strategic location is essential for the Congolese army and serves the regional city of Bukavu. Reports from local sources indicate that the situation around the city is precarious, with rebels reportedly advancing toward the airport themselves.
The M23 group, which has been operational in the eastern DRC, recently captured the city of Goma in January and has ambitions of advancing further, potentially toward Kinshasa, the capital. While a ceasefire was proclaimed earlier in February, spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka clarified that there is no intention to capture Bukavu or other territories at this time.
Support for the M23 rebels reportedly includes approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops. Rwanda’s government asserts that its involvement is aimed at protecting ethnic Tutsis in the DRC from Hutu groups linked to the past genocide in Rwanda. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant human displacement, with the UN stating that around 350,000 have been forced to flee their homes since January.
As this situation unfolds, DRC President Felix Tshisekedi is actively seeking international assistance to address the conflict, participating in discussions at the Munich Security Conference and planning to attend the African Union summit in Ethiopia shortly thereafter.
In summary, the M23 rebels have successfully seized Kavumu airport in South Kivu, continuing their territorial gains in the DRC. Supported by Rwandan troops, they have expressed intentions beyond local conflicts. The situation has dire humanitarian implications, prompting DRC leadership to seek international support amid escalating violence in the region.
Original Source: news.sky.com
