M23 fighters have seized Kavumu airport in eastern DRC, enhancing their control before the African Union summit. The Congolese military retreated with minimal resistance. President Tshisekedi is attending a conference in Germany to rally support, while the conflict continues to escalate amid a humanitarian crisis affecting hundreds of thousands.
The M23 rebel group, reportedly backed by Rwanda, has taken control of Kavumu airport near Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This airport, used primarily for military and NGO flights, was crucial in defending Bukavu, which is located just 30 kilometers away and home to over one million residents. The rebels faced little resistance during their advance, prompting Congolese military personnel to abandon the site and retreat.
The M23 also claimed control over Katana, a nearby town approximately 11 kilometers from the airport. The timing of this offensive is notable as it precedes the African Union summit set to commence in Ethiopia. Originally, Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi was expected to attend, but Prime Minister Jean-Michel Sama Lukonde will likely represent the nation instead, as the president is attending the Munich Security Conference in Germany to seek international support.
In early discussions, the M23 coalition previously announced a unilateral ceasefire, but fighting resumed after just two days. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the outgoing chair of the African Union, emphasized that a ceasefire in eastern DRC needs to be observed, stating that military action alone is insufficient to resolve underlying issues.
Since seizing Goma in January, the M23 has escalated its push southward towards Bukavu, which is viewed as a significant target. The ongoing conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, displacing approximately 350,000 individuals according to the UN Refugee Agency. Protests erupted in Kinshasa following the fall of Goma as citizens expressed their frustration against perceived foreign interference in Congolese affairs.
The recent seizure of Kavumu airport by M23 rebels indicates a significant shift in control within the DRC, raising concerns ahead of the upcoming African Union summit. As hostilities continue despite a declared ceasefire, the conflict has exacerbated humanitarian issues with widespread displacement. The situation underscores the fragile security environment in eastern DRC and the urgent need for a cohesive international response. The presence of Congolese leadership at international forums emphasizes the importance of garnering support to address these ongoing challenges.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
