Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in the eastern region. The city, home to approximately 1.3 million residents, fell into the hands of the rebels on Sunday after Congolese forces abandoned their positions.
This takeover follows the capture of Goma, another major city in the DRC, by M23 rebels in late January. Bukavu is located about 101 kilometers (63 miles) south of Goma, and its fall raises concerns about the stability of the region. As the M23 fighters advanced, the streets of Bukavu were filled with residents fleeing the city and looters attempting to gather supplies, including flour.
In the wake of the rebels’ entry, a tense silence enveloped Bukavu as local business owners and residents braced for the new reality under M23 control. By Monday morning, however, some residents began to emerge from their homes while the rebels established a visible presence by patrolling key intersections. The border crossing to Rwanda was closed, and most shops remained shut, although traffic gradually resumed as the day progressed.
M23 is among over 100 armed groups competing for dominance in a region rich in valuable minerals essential for global technology. The conflict has drawn international attention, with estimates suggesting that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops are supporting the M23 rebels, according to United Nations experts.
The situation has prompted urgent calls for action from global leaders. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the need to prevent further regional escalation, while French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for an immediate ceasefire, the withdrawal of M23 forces, and the restoration of Congolese authority in Bukavu.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the implications for the DRC and the broader region remain uncertain, with the potential for increased violence and humanitarian crises looming on the horizon. The international community watches closely as the situation develops, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing turmoil.