Twelve victims of a deadly blast at a rally in Bukavu, eastern Congo, were buried in a ceremony led by new rebel authorities. The explosion, attributed to a grenade aimed at rebels, killed 17 individuals. Friends and family of the victims have expressed their grief and concern for safety in the region amid heightened tensions between the government and rebel forces.
On Tuesday, twelve victims of a recent explosion at a rally in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, were interred in a ceremony organized by newly appointed rebel authorities. This tragic event occurred the previous Thursday, amidst reports of ongoing violence in the region, which has been under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels since February. Both the Congolese government and the rebels have exchanged accusations regarding responsibility for the attack.
Witnesses indicated that a grenade, likely intended to target a group of rebel leaders, instead detonated in the central square. According to local officials, 17 individuals lost their lives due to this incident, with the new provincial vice governor, Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge, confirming that eleven victims died immediately and others later succumbed to their injuries in medical facilities.
During the funeral service, community members expressed their sorrow through song, while a priest blessed coffins with holy water. Women who lost their husbands and sons mourned deeply as the coffins were prepared for transport to the cemetery. Claude Balolebwami Nyarubasa lamented the death of his brother, who had been near the explosion when it occurred.
“At the moment, we are very worried, very worried, we ask our government to guarantee us peace… We plead with the government to help us, let these killings stop,” remarked Nyarubasa. The Congolese army stated that Rwandan troops and rebels allegedly fired projectiles into the crowd that was gathered for a speech by a rebel leader, a claim that Rwanda has denied.
Corneille Nangaa, leader of a rebel coalition, attributed blame for the attack to President Felix Tshisekedi, further complicating the already fragile situation. This recent act of violence marks a significant escalation in the protracted conflict that has plagued eastern Congo, which is driven by the aftermath of the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the ongoing struggle for control over the nation’s extensive mineral reserves.
In summary, the tragic explosion during a rally in Bukavu has resulted in the loss of numerous lives and has intensified the already volatile conflict in eastern Congo. The newly appointed rebel authorities organized the funeral for the victims, with community members expressing their grief and fears for the future. Tensions remain high as accusations continue to fly between the different factions involved in this extended conflict. The need for peace and stability in the region is more pressing than ever as the legacy of violence continues to haunt its people.
Original Source: www.usnews.com
