M23 Rebels Capture Bukavu Amid Allegations Against Rwanda

The recent capture of Bukavu marks a significant escalation in the DRC conflict, raising international concerns.

M23 rebels have successfully entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), amid ongoing accusations that Rwanda is supporting their expansionist pursuits. The rebel group, which has already seized the city of Goma in recent weeks, continues to advance despite international calls for a ceasefire. Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the Congo River Alliance that includes M23, reported their entrance into the South Kivu provincial capital on the evening prior, with plans to further extend their reach.

The rapid progress of the Rwandan-backed militants has led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of individuals. The DRC government has accused Rwanda of exacerbating the crisis to exploit the region's rich resources, an assertion that Rwanda has categorically refuted. The conquest of Bukavu would signify a new chapter in the DRC's turbulent history, as the city serves as a vital transit point for the local mineral trade and is situated adjacent to Rwanda.

Earlier on Friday, rebel units moved into the airport approximately 30 kilometers north of Bukavu with little resistance from the Congolese military and allied militia. Conflicts erupted on the outskirts of the city, prompting concerns for local safety. Reports surfaced of grim discoveries in the village of Mayba, where approximately 70 bodies were uncovered at a church. Allegations were made against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), linked to the Islamic State, though these claims remain unverified.

Residents of Bukavu received advisories from local authorities to stay indoors amid rising violence. In a speech at the Munich Security Conference, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi called for punitive measures against Rwanda, accusing the nation of “expansionist ambitions” and demanding an end to the exploitation of DRC's resources. Tshisekedi emphasized that the country would no longer tolerate the pillaging of its assets under the watchful eyes of those who thrive on chaos.

Rwandan President Paul Kagame maintains that national security is a pressing concern, asserting that Rwanda faces threats from Hutu rebels in DRC, and he has dismissed the prospect of sanctions against his country. The timing of the rebel advance coincides with an African Union summit scheduled in Ethiopia, where leaders are expected to address the urgent need for a ceasefire, as reiterated by AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat. The situation remains fluid, with calls for a resolute end to military hostilities.