M23 Rebels Seize Control of Bukavu

M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, seized control of Bukavu, a strategic city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, rich in mineral resources. This advance follows the occupation of Goma in January and marks a new phase in the armed group’s expansion in North and South Kivu.

In a statement, the Congo River Alliance—a coalition of several rebel factions, including M23—claimed that this offensive aimed to restore order in response to security issues inherited from the previous regime. M23 leader Bernard Maheshe Byamungu declared that the group was committed to restoring order after “60 years of chaos,” while acknowledging that stabilizing the region would take time and require collective efforts.

In response to this takeover, the Congolese government announced that all necessary measures were being taken to restore order and preserve territorial integrity. In an official statement, the Ministry of Communication urged the population to remain united and resilient behind the armed forces and President Félix Tshisekedi. Meanwhile, thousands of people have fled to neighboring Burundi, while some residents of Bukavu have welcomed M23, despite the estimated presence of around 4,000 Rwandan soldiers alongside the rebels, according to the United Nations. However, other residents have expressed concern over the militarization of young people in the city and are calling on the authorities to disarm them without resorting to violence, so that the population can return to normal life.

Amid the deteriorating security situation, President Tshisekedi convened a meeting at the African Union City the day before yesterday to assess the progress of military operations and humanitarian challenges in the east of the country. Congolese loyalist forces continue their efforts to contain the advance of M23, whose Rwandan support continues to fuel regional tensions.

As the situation worsens, finding a lasting solution to restore peace in the Great Lakes region remains a top priority for Congolese authorities. They must not only address the ongoing humanitarian crisis but also navigate the broader implications of this conflict on national and regional stability.

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