Eastern DRC’s second-largest city falls further under M23 rebel control. Image: inkl.
(The Post News)- Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has been captured and occupied by M23 rebels. This was confirmed by the Congolese government days after the Rwanda-backed militia launched an attack.
DRC communications ministry confirms Rwanda-backed M23 rebels’ capture of Bukavu, vows to restore order and territorial integrity. On Friday, M23 fighters have seized Bukavu, South Kivu’s capital, after capturing Goma, facing minimal resistance in their advance. Blaise Byamungu, a resident in Bukavu said the area was abandoned by all authorities and taken without any loyalist force.
The rebels marched to the governor’s office over the weekend. A leader of the group, Bernard Byamungu stood in front of the office and made a promise to change the status quo. In front of a small cheering crowd, Byamungu said they are going to clean up a disorder left over from the old regime, expressing they had been living in a “jungle”.
According to United Nations experts, the rebels are supported by about 4,000 troops from neighbouring Rwanda.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutierrez warns that regional escalation must be avoided at all costs amid M23’s DRC advances. On Saturday, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for an immediate ceasefire. This would be a withdrawal by the rebels and the safe return of Congolese authorities to Bukavu.
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