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Rebels seize control of another great town in DR Congo
(MENAFN) M23 rebels have seized control of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo), just days after threatening to capture it. The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), a coalition of rebel groups including M23, stated that their fighters were stepping in to help the local population address security concerns, as Congolese forces abandoned the city. The AFC claimed that Bukavu was left in chaos and insecurity, and they pledged to protect civilians from the government’s forces.
The rebels have escalated their attacks since the start of the year, killing over a dozen foreign peacekeepers. They previously captured Goma, a key city near the Rwandan border, where they established de facto authorities. DR Congo's resource-rich east has long been plagued by violent conflicts involving numerous armed groups fighting for power and control of valuable minerals.
The DR Congo government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim Kigali denies, although a UN report last year suggested that Rwandan troops were fighting alongside the militants. Recently, the DR Congo government also accused Rwanda of sending troops into Bukavu alongside the rebels. The government has vowed to restore order but urged residents to stay safe.
The latest escalation in violence has led to over 3,000 deaths, including many civilians. The African Union has warned of the potential fragmentation of DR Congo if the conflict remains unresolved. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also called for the country’s territorial integrity to be upheld and urged against further regional conflict.
The rebels have escalated their attacks since the start of the year, killing over a dozen foreign peacekeepers. They previously captured Goma, a key city near the Rwandan border, where they established de facto authorities. DR Congo's resource-rich east has long been plagued by violent conflicts involving numerous armed groups fighting for power and control of valuable minerals.
The DR Congo government has accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels, a claim Kigali denies, although a UN report last year suggested that Rwandan troops were fighting alongside the militants. Recently, the DR Congo government also accused Rwanda of sending troops into Bukavu alongside the rebels. The government has vowed to restore order but urged residents to stay safe.
The latest escalation in violence has led to over 3,000 deaths, including many civilians. The African Union has warned of the potential fragmentation of DR Congo if the conflict remains unresolved. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres also called for the country’s territorial integrity to be upheld and urged against further regional conflict.
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