This encroachment escalates the ongoing conflict, emphasizing the instability within the Congolese military and the influence of external support from Rwanda.
**M23 Rebels Capture Key Eastern City of Bukavu in Congo**
**M23 Rebels Capture Key Eastern City of Bukavu in Congo**
In a swift advancement, M23 rebels seize control of the vital trading hub as government forces retreat.
Amid ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, M23 rebels have reportedly entered the significant trading city of Bukavu, further destabilizing the region. Following a recent bloody clash in Goma where nearly 3,000 lives were lost, the rebels now appear to face little to no opposition as they march into the provincial capital known for gold trading and smuggling activities.
Willy Ngoma, a spokesperson for the M23 group, confirmed their presence by stating, “We’re there, we’re there in Bukavu.” Eyewitness accounts describe the rebels moving in organized columns, drawing upon footage shared across social media platforms. As the M23 made their entrance, local residents reported that Congolese soldiers had previously evacuated, leading to looting and chaos as criminal elements took advantage of the power vacuum.
In contrast to heavy fighting during the siege of Goma, the takeover of Bukavu has unfolded without noted conflict, signifying a concerning decline in resistance from government forces. The Congolese government has been notably silent on this latest development, and independent verification of the situation in Bukavu remains pending.
Should the takeover be substantiated, M23 would solidify control over two major trading centers in the mineral-laden eastern regions of Congo, raising concerns over the security and stability in the country amidst a backdrop of continuous conflict and external influence from neighboring Rwanda.
