Rebels from the Alliance Fleuve Congo have reportedly advanced into Bukavu, DRC, prompting local residents to report looting and unrest. The group has recently claimed control over Kavumu airport and other strategic areas, following the earlier takeover of Goma. The situation remains tense, with no official government confirmation, prompting concerns about security and civilian safety.
A rebel faction has reported its advancement into Bukavu, the second largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Residents of the city have indicated incidents of looting and the presence of armed fighters in the streets. The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) coalition, which incorporates the M23 group, declared on Saturday that it took control of the Kavumu airport in South Kivu, leading to a retreat of the government forces from Bukavu.
Despite these claims, the DRC government has not yet verified the situation, and there is uncertainty regarding the extent of the rebels’ progress within Bukavu. This surge follows the group’s recent takeover of Goma on January 27, which is the largest city and capital of the adjoining North Kivu province. Reports cite that conflicts in Goma between M23 and DRC military forces resulted in over 3,000 fatalities.
The DRC and various Western nations allege that Rwanda is providing support to the M23 group, which predominantly comprises ethnic Tutsis who defected from the Congolese army over a decade ago. In response to these claims, Rwandan President Paul Kagame expressed his lack of knowledge regarding any Rwandan military presence in the DRC.
Since 2022, the M23 has reignited its rebellion against the DRC government, asserting to advocate for the rights of the Rwandophone minority, especially the Tutsis. This group has expanded its territorial control, now collaborating within the AFC alliance to capture resource-rich areas in eastern DRC, including Nyabibwe and Rubaya, known for its significant coltan deposits, essential for electronic production.
Despite international appeals for a ceasefire, these calls have not hampered the rebels’ pursuit for territorial expansion. AFC spokesperson Victor Tesongo emphasized that the claimed seizing of Goma and Bukavu signifies substantial territorial gains for the coalition, which encompasses cities with over three million inhabitants.
Sylvain Ekenge Ekenge, a spokesperson for the DRC military, noted that government troops withdrew from Bukavu after the rebels occupied the airport. CNN has sought further comments from DRC officials concerning these claims. Residents have reported seeing M23 fighters but indicated that active combat has not been observed; instead, looting has emerged as a chief concern among the populace.
The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to escalate, with rebel forces advancing and leading to widespread unrest in cities like Bukavu. The lack of official confirmation from the government, coupled with reports of looting and civilian concerns, highlights the instability in the region. As the conflict develops, the international community remains watchful, and diplomatic efforts toward a ceasefire have yet to yield significant results.
Original Source: edition.cnn.com
