The Rwanda-backed M23 rebel group has entered and taken control of key areas in Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to local residents and community leaders. The bold incursion marks a dangerous escalation in the ongoing conflict, raising fears of a wider regional crisis.
Eyewitnesses report that heavily armed M23 fighters stormed the city, forcing thousands of residents to flee as gunfire and explosions echoed through the streets. The situation remains tense, with reports of government forces retreating and local authorities struggling to maintain order. Businesses and schools have shut down, and humanitarian organizations warn of a looming disaster if the violence continues.
The M23 group, which has been steadily advancing across eastern Congo, has previously seized territories in North Kivu, clashing with Congolese forces despite regional efforts to broker peace. Kinshasa has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, a claim that Kigali denies, fueling tensions between the two nations.
International organizations and regional leaders are closely monitoring the developments, with growing calls for urgent intervention to prevent further bloodshed and displacement. The fall of Bukavu, a key commercial and administrative hub, could mark a turning point in the conflict, potentially reshaping the power dynamics in the region.