The Democratic Republic of Congo’s second-largest city, Bukavu, has been entered by rebels from the M23 group. The rebel leader, Corneille Nangaa, stated that the group had advanced into the city and would continue their push on Saturday. Despite international calls for a ceasefire and peace talks, the M23’s progress raises concerns about the region’s stability.
The conflict in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo has led to hundreds of thousands of people being forced from their homes. Last month, the Tutsi-led M23 group seized Goma, a city rich in minerals, and accuses Rwanda of backing them to benefit from its resources. Rwanda denies these allegations, but the Congolese government believes Rwanda is involved.
The M23’s advance into Bukavu marks a new phase in the region’s turbulent history. The city, located on the southern tip of Lake Kivu, is an important transit point for local mineral trade. Heavy clashes were reported on the outskirts of the city, and 70 bodies were found in a church in a nearby village, allegedly tied up by Allied Democratic Forces rebels.
DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi has called for Rwanda to be sanctioned, accusing it of having “expansionist ambitions”. The African Union has also urged a ceasefire, with its head stating that “military campaigns are not going to solve these problems”.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cvgmj00zjrpo