M23 Rebels Seize Control of Bukavu in Eastern DR Congo

The M23 rebels have successfully captured Bukavu, the Democratic Republic of Congo's second-largest city, amid a chaotic security vacuum, prompting concerns of escalating violence and human rights violations in the region.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels stormed into Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), capturing the regional governor's office without encountering resistance. Residents lined the streets to cheer the armed fighters as they made their way into the city, marking the second major city to fall to the insurgents following the takeover of Goma in recent weeks. The DRC government has acknowledged this loss and urged locals to remain indoors to avoid potential targeting by the occupying militia.

The ongoing violence in the region has led to hundreds of thousands being displaced, with both the UN and European nations warning that these developments could ignite broader regional conflicts. A local resident, who preferred anonymity due to safety concerns, expressed fear about the situation, reporting gunfire and chaos in the city. "Since yesterday, children and youths wielding weapons have been shooting in all directions and looting," she described, highlighting the tension gripping the area.

The M23 had previously gained control of Bukavu's main airport located 30 kilometers north of the city, slowly advancing toward the urban center. South-Kivu's provincial governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, confirmed the rebels' presence in Bukavu by Sunday morning, stating that Congolese troops retreated to prevent urban combat. This retreat creates a security void, leading to chaotic scenes, including a severe prison break.

The city, an essential hub for local mineral trade and home to approximately two million citizens, is critical due to its location near Rwanda's border. The fall of Bukavu represents a dramatic territorial gain for the M23, further weakening President Félix Tshisekedi's government. Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya accused Rwanda of infringing upon DRC's territorial integrity, claiming that the Rwandan government benefits from the chaos it creates. Meanwhile, Tshisekedi has called for sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who has dismissed such threats as ineffective and underscored Rwanda's security concerns stemming from armed groups within DRC.

As the rebels gathered at the central Place de l'Indépendance in Bukavu, a commander named Bernard Byamungu addressed locals, urging any remaining government forces to surrender. He criticized the departing troops for allegedly arming local youths, who have engaged in looting. The African Union, currently holding a summit in Ethiopia, reiterated calls for the M23 to disarm and expressed deep concern over the potential for an open regional war. The international community continues to monitor the escalating crisis closely.