The M23 rebel group's offensive in eastern DR Congo has led to chaotic scenes in Bukavu, with reports of gunfire, looting, and potential regional escalation as international players express concern.
Escalating Violence in Eastern DR Congo as M23 Rebels Close In
Escalating Violence in Eastern DR Congo as M23 Rebels Close In
As M23 rebels advance towards Bukavu, fears of regional conflict escalate amid gunfire and looting in the city, prompting international concern.
Chaotic scenes have erupted in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, as the M23 rebel group escalates its offensive in the region. On Saturday, eyewitnesses reported instances of sporadic gunfire and widespread looting, including at a World Food Programme depot, compelling residents to remain indoors. The turmoil follows conflicting reports regarding the M23 rebels' advance into Bukavu, a strategic city in the mineral-rich area.
In recent days, the M23 militants captured Kavumu airport, located north of Bukavu, raising alarms from the United Nations and the European Union over the deteriorating situation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized at an African Union summit the critical need to avoid regional escalation "at all costs," stressing respect for the DRC's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The European Union responded similarly, declaring it would "urgently" consider options following the developments in Bukavu, warning against violations of the DRC's territorial integrity. The Democratic Republic of Congo's government has accused Rwanda of exacerbating chaos to exploit local resources—an accusation Rwanda denies.
In the wake of the conflict, hundreds of thousands have been displaced, with Bukavu becoming eerily quiet as residents seek safety at home. One woman described her fear of stepping outside amidst ongoing gunfire and rampant looting, expressing a grave sense of abandonment by authorities. The looting at the World Food Programme's depot, which contained 6,800 metric tons of food supplies, poses additional challenges for vulnerable populations already struggling to meet their basic needs.
While there is a lack of consensus over the rebels' presence in Bukavu, some residents claim to have seen them in the streets, while others report no signs of fighting. Notably, the capture of Bukavu would represent a significant territorial gain for the M23 since the insurgency reignited in 2022.
In a worrying turn, Uganda's defense chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, issued an ultimatum, threatening military action against the town of Bunia, further stoking fears of a larger regional conflict reminiscent of the devastating wars of the 1990s and 2000s. Historically, Uganda has supported the Congolese army in its fight against Islamist militants but has also been implicated in backing the M23 group.
The ongoing instability in the eastern DRC, particularly its mineral-rich regions, poses a risk of spiraling into broader violence, which could have catastrophic implications for the entire region, as seen in previous decades of conflict that resulted in millions of casualties.
