Rebels from the Rwandan-backed M23 group have taken control of Bukavu, a city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. The rapid advance south by the rebels has resulted in little resistance, with civilians fleeing and shops and businesses closing.
The capture of Bukavu would give M23 total control over the Lake Kivu area, marking an unprecedented expansion of their territory since the insurgency began in 2022. This development deals a significant blow to Kinshasa’s authority in the region and could lead to further instability.
Residents reported seeing rebel forces on the streets with no clashes, while airport employees said equipment was removed and troops were seen heading back to Bukavu. Congo’s president Félix Tshisekedi has warned of potential spillover into neighboring countries and called for international support to end the conflict.
Fighting in eastern DRC has raged on for three years, prompting humanitarian concerns due to the destruction of emergency shelters and displacement of 350,000 people. The M23’s involvement is seen as a continuation of a pattern of ethnic Tutsi-led insurgent groups operating in the region since a 2003 deal aimed to end wars that killed 6 million people.
International support for de-escalation efforts has been called for, but Canada recently withdrew its military personnel from a UN peacekeeping mission citing security concerns. A popular Congolese singer was also killed during a music video shoot in Goma, highlighting the risks faced by civilians in the region.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/14/rwanda-backed-m23-rebels-seize-key-drc-airport-bakavu-congo