The M23 rebels have seized the airport near Bukavu, progressing despite global calls for a ceasefire. Their advance has displaced many and has led to increased fears among residents. The situation remains tense as Bukavu prepares for potential conflict, and the African Union mobilizes efforts for a peaceful resolution.
M23 rebels in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have successfully captured the airport serving the significant city of Bukavu, marking a continued offensive despite international appeals for a ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations. This escalation has resulted in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of civilians in recent weeks.
Last month, the M23, which reportedly receives support from neighboring Rwanda, seized Goma, the principal city within the mineral-rich eastern territories. In the recent confrontation at the Kavumu airport, the Congolese army and its allied forces withdrew with minimal resistance from the advancing rebels.
Currently, the M23 rebels are positioned approximately 30 kilometers from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Jean Elekano, Bukavu’s deputy governor, indicated that intense combat has erupted on the city’s outskirts, although he stated that the Congolese army remains in control and is actively pushing back against the rebels.
Residents of Bukavu have expressed growing trepidation amid the ongoing hostilities, prompting local authorities to advise citizens to remain indoors for their safety. This latest progression by the M23 rebels coincides with an upcoming African Union (AU) summit in Ethiopia, where leaders are expected to address the crisis.
Moussa Faki Mahamat, the head of the AU commission, emphasized the necessity of observing a ceasefire, stating that “military campaigns are not going to solve these problems.” His comments align with a broader continental call for mobilization on this issue, with hopes of implementing a ceasefire.
Rwanda has faced allegations of backing the rebels, claims it has denied, while also purportedly maintaining its own military presence in DR Congo. Rwandan President Paul Kagame has asserted that his nation’s primary concern is security, particularly regarding Hutu rebels in DR Congo, dismissing suggestions of potential sanctions. Furthermore, the Congolese government has accused Rwanda of unlawfully annexing parts of its mineral-rich territory.
The conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to escalate, with the M23 rebels capturing strategic locations and displacing numerous civilians. International calls for a ceasefire emphasize the need for diplomatic resolutions rather than military confrontations. Local authorities are taking precautions to safeguard residents as tensions rise near Bukavu, amidst broader regional discussions on the crisis.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
