The M23 rebels have seized the airport serving Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo amidst continued military advancements, displacing hundreds of thousands. The situation has prompted local authorities to issue safety warnings to residents. The African Union is addressing these conflicts and the need for a ceasefire as tensions rise, particularly between DR Congo and Rwanda.
Rebels from the M23 group in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have successfully seized the airport that serves Bukavu, significantly accelerating their military gains. Despite widespread international pleas for a ceasefire and renewed peace talks, the militant group continues to advance, prompting a humanitarian crisis with hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes recently. The M23, reportedly supported by neighboring Rwanda, previously captured Goma, one of the region’s principal cities, last month.
The conflict escalated in Kavumu, where Congolese forces and their allied militia withdrew with minimal resistance during the airport skirmish. The M23 rebels now position themselves approximately 30 kilometers from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Bukavu’s deputy governor, Jean Elekano, reported to the BBC that intense fighting is occurring at the city outskirts, though he confirmed that government troops still maintain control.
Residents of Bukavu are experiencing rising anxiety and fear due to the advancing rebels, prompting local authorities to advise them to stay indoors for their safety. This alarming situation coincides with a crucial African Union summit that is taking place in Ethiopia, where leaders are expected to address ongoing conflicts across the continent.
During this summit, the African Union Commission’s head, Moussa Faki Mahamat, stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, stating that military interventions alone will not resolve the underlying issues. He highlighted the collective determination of African nations to call for a peaceful resolution to this crisis.
Rwanda has faced accusations of supporting the M23 rebels, allegations which it denies. The Rwandan government, led by President Paul Kagame, maintains that its involvement is a matter of national security against Hutu rebels operating in DR Congo. Additionally, the Congolese government has accused Rwanda of illegally annexing territories rich in minerals, intensifying regional tensions.
The recent capture of the airport near Bukavu by M23 rebels signifies a troubling escalation in the conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Despite international calls for a ceasefire, the situation continues to deteriorate, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic efforts and regional cooperation to address the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis affecting countless civilians.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
