M23 Rebels Seize Bukavu as Conflict in Eastern DRC Escalates

 M23 Rebels Seize Bukavu as Conflict in Eastern DRC Escalates

Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has made a significant military advance by entering Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern DRC. This latest incursion marks a major escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising concerns over regional stability and triggering mass displacement of civilians.

Rebel Entry Into Bukavu

On Friday evening, Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance—a coalition that includes M23—confirmed that rebel forces had entered Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. According to Nangaa, M23 fighters would continue their operations in the city through Saturday. Residents in northern districts reported seeing heavily armed rebels patrolling the streets with little to no resistance from government forces. 

The rapid seizure of Bukavu underscores the growing influence of M23, which has expanded its territorial control in the eastern DRC since its resurgence in 2022. The fall of Bukavu—a city of approximately 1.3 million people—further weakens Kinshasa’s grip over the conflict-ridden, mineral-rich region. 

Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies

The rebel takeover has sparked widespread panic, with thousands of residents attempting to flee. As civilians sought safety, chaos erupted in several districts, leading to rampant looting. The World Food Programme reported that its Bukavu depot, which housed 6,800 metric tons of food, was ransacked—depriving vulnerable populations of critical supplies. 

UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation and called for immediate dialogue between conflicting parties to prevent further escalation. International humanitarian organizations have warned that the growing instability could lead to a severe humanitarian disaster, with food shortages, displacement, and human rights abuses on the rise. 

Regional Tensions and International Response

The M23 advance has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict. Ugandan military chief General Muhoozi Kainerugaba issued a stark warning, threatening to intervene in the neighboring Congolese town of Bunia unless forces there surrendered within 24 hours. This statement highlights the fragile security dynamics in the Great Lakes region. 

The DRC has long accused Rwanda and Uganda of supporting armed groups within its borders—allegations both countries deny. With tensions rising, the international community, including the United States and the European Union, has urged an immediate ceasefire and is weighing potential sanctions against external actors fueling the conflict. 

Calls for Ceasefire Amid Political Deadlock

In response to the escalating crisis, African leaders convened in Kampala, Uganda, calling for a ceasefire and renewed peace negotiations. Despite these diplomatic efforts, DRC President Félix Tshisekedi remains unwilling to engage directly with M23, complicating prospects for a peaceful resolution. (AP News)

M23, originally composed of ethnic Tutsi fighters, has evolved under the leadership of Corneille Nangaa, who has positioned the group as a nationalist force seeking political recognition. This shift underscores the deep-rooted grievances and regional complexities that continue to drive the conflict. 

Outlook: Uncertain Path Ahead

The fall of Bukavu represents a critical turning point in the DRC’s prolonged conflict. With M23’s rapid territorial gains and the looming threat of regional military involvement, the situation demands urgent intervention from both local authorities and the international community. Without immediate diplomatic action and humanitarian aid, eastern Congo risks descending further into chaos, exacerbating an already dire crisis for millions of civilians.

As global powers assess their response, the fate of eastern DRC remains uncertain, with peace hanging in the balance amid deepening violence and instability.