Conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo escalates as M23 rebels tighten their grip on Bukavu, raising fears of a broader regional war.
Gunfire Erupts in Bukavu as M23 Rebels March Forward
Gunfire Erupts in Bukavu as M23 Rebels March Forward
Chaos Reigns in Eastern DRC Amid Reports of Looting and Armed Conflict
In Bukavu, a city located in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), chaos has erupted as the M23 rebel group escalates its offensive. Reports from Saturday highlighted sporadic gunfire, looting, including at a World Food Programme facility, and many residents barricading themselves in their homes. This turmoil follows the rebels' recent capture of Kavumu airport, positioned north of the city. As the situation continues to escalate, both the UN and the European Union have expressed grave concerns over the violence, calling for immediate action to prevent further regional destabilization.
Fears of a wider conflict were heightened following statements from Uganda's army chief, who threatened to attack a town in Congo unless local forces disarmed. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced that military escalation is not a solution and urged respect for Congo's sovereignty. Meanwhile, the European Union considered options to respond to violations of territorial integrity as the crisis deepens.
With ongoing skirmishes, hundreds of thousands of individuals have been uprooted from their homes in recent weeks. In Bukavu, eyewitness accounts detail deserted streets with locals fearful to venture out due to the pervasive danger. One resident recounted the dire situation, explaining the trepidation of women in particular, as armed groups roam the streets. Looting has become rampant, with the World Food Programme reporting the theft of an extensive supply of food intended for those in need.
Conflicting reports surround the extent of M23's control over Bukavu, although residents claim to see fighters in surrounding areas. The potential capture of Bukavu, a city critical for its minerals and strategically located near Rwanda, would mark a significant gain for the rebel group amid their ongoing insurgency that commenced in 2022.
Uganda's declarations add another layer of tension, as the region grapples with the echoes of its past conflicts that resulted in the loss of millions during the 1990s and early 2000s. With the DRC's eastern territories long rife with violence and exploitation, the international community watches closely, warning against a return to widespread conflict akin to Africa's historical wars.
Fears of a wider conflict were heightened following statements from Uganda's army chief, who threatened to attack a town in Congo unless local forces disarmed. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced that military escalation is not a solution and urged respect for Congo's sovereignty. Meanwhile, the European Union considered options to respond to violations of territorial integrity as the crisis deepens.
With ongoing skirmishes, hundreds of thousands of individuals have been uprooted from their homes in recent weeks. In Bukavu, eyewitness accounts detail deserted streets with locals fearful to venture out due to the pervasive danger. One resident recounted the dire situation, explaining the trepidation of women in particular, as armed groups roam the streets. Looting has become rampant, with the World Food Programme reporting the theft of an extensive supply of food intended for those in need.
Conflicting reports surround the extent of M23's control over Bukavu, although residents claim to see fighters in surrounding areas. The potential capture of Bukavu, a city critical for its minerals and strategically located near Rwanda, would mark a significant gain for the rebel group amid their ongoing insurgency that commenced in 2022.
Uganda's declarations add another layer of tension, as the region grapples with the echoes of its past conflicts that resulted in the loss of millions during the 1990s and early 2000s. With the DRC's eastern territories long rife with violence and exploitation, the international community watches closely, warning against a return to widespread conflict akin to Africa's historical wars.
