Chaos Erupts as M23 Rebels Take Over Bukavu, Congolese Forces Retreat
Image source: AP News
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have established their authority over Bukavu in eastern Congo as of Monday, following their capture of the region’s second-largest city just a day earlier. This change in control has left the local population of approximately 1.3 million feeling despondent about their future under rebel rule. The M23 forces took control of Bukavu after Congolese military forces retreated from their positions, marking a significant turning point in the long-standing conflict in eastern Congo. Bukavu is strategically situated about 63 miles (101 kilometers) south of Goma, another city that the M23 seized in late January.
The M23 is not acting alone in its quest for power; it is one of over 100 armed groups competing for control of eastern Congo’s rich mineral resources, which are essential for global technology production. Reports from United Nations experts indicate that the M23 rebels are backed by around 4,000 troops from neighboring Rwanda, raising concerns about foreign involvement in the conflict.
The ongoing violence in the region has led to the displacement of over 6 million people, making it one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. As the M23 rebels moved into Bukavu, chaos ensued in the streets, with many residents desperately trying to escape the area. Looters exploited the chaos, stealing flour and other supplies as the atmosphere shifted from panic to tense silence while locals braced for their new rulers.
On Monday morning, residents cautiously came out of their homes, though tension remained high as the rebels patrolled key intersections throughout the city. Shopkeeper David Balezi expressed his concerns, stating, “People are still scared to go out because of the insecurity, so it’s not business as usual yet.” Meanwhile, the border crossing between Bukavu and Rwanda was closed, disrupting local trade as most shops remained shut, despite a gradual increase in activity.
Resident David Munyaga shared a bleak outlook on their uncertain future, saying, “Now we thank God that the situation is okay, even if we don’t know what’s coming. Whatever happens, we will live with it.” To stabilize the situation, Erasto Bahati Musanga, the governor appointed by the rebels for North Kivu province, announced that the ports of Goma and Bukavu would reopen on Tuesday. These ports had been closed since the offensive against Goma began in January, which also led to a navigation ban on Lake Kivu, one of Africa’s largest lakes.
In Goma, now under rebel control, large crowds gathered to protest against the United Nations peacekeeping force in Congo, known as MONUSCO, demanding its withdrawal. The protesters organized a sit-in outside the MONUSCO headquarters, holding signs and chanting slogans directed at both the peacekeeping force and Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi. Protester Bauma Sukali expressed frustration over the ongoing violence, stating, “The war does not end in Congo, why? They have nothing to do here; they should leave.” Another protester, Fiston Nsabimana, called for a change in leadership, saying, “Tshisekedi is not able to ensure peace; let him leave power.” These protests highlight the deep dissatisfaction with the current political situation, as residents seek solutions to the enduring conflict that affects their lives.
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