The M23 rebel group, backed by Rwanda, has seized control of Kavumu airport near Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the capital of South Kivu province. The move comes just days before an African Union summit starts in Ethiopia and raises concerns about the stability of the region.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi had traveled to Germany for the Munich Security Conference, seeking international support to address the conflict. However, the rebels’ actions have cast a shadow over the summit, which is expected to focus on finding solutions to the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC.
The M23 fighters, who have been pushing southward towards Bukavu since capturing Goma in late January, claim to have taken control of Katana town as well. The Congolese military had vacated the airport, allowing the rebels to seize it with minimal resistance.
The conflict in DRC has displaced over 350,000 people and is seen as a major concern by regional leaders. UN agencies have warned that the situation is rapidly deteriorating, and international pressure on Rwanda and other foreign parties involved is increasing.
The African Union summit will be an opportunity for leaders to address these issues and find ways to stop the fighting. However, with tensions running high, it remains to be seen whether the summit can make a significant impact in resolving the conflict in eastern DRC.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/14/dr-congos-m23-fighters-seize-bukavu-airport-before-african-union-summit