A rebel group, Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), has taken control of the airport in South Kivu’s Kavumu and allegedly forced government forces to retreat from the city of Bukavu. The provincial capital is said to be under rebel control with widespread looting reported by residents.
The AFC, which includes the M23 armed group, claims it took control of Goma, the largest city in North Kivu province, three weeks ago. However, the DRC government has not confirmed the takeover and details of the rebels’ advance into Bukavu are unclear.
M23, a rebel group comprised mainly of ethnic Tutsis, has been waging a renewed rebellion against the DRC government since 2022. The group is accused by the DRC and Western countries of receiving support from Rwanda, but President Paul Kagame denies any involvement.
The rebels have occupied resource-rich communities in the east, including Nyabibwe and Rubaya, which holds one of the world’s largest deposits of coltan. Despite calls for a ceasefire, the group continues to pursue its territorial ambitions.
Residents report seeing M23 fighters on the streets but no fighting has been witnessed so far. However, widespread looting is being experienced in Bukavu, with many accusing fleeing soldiers and civilians of carrying out the looting.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/15/africa/drc-rebels-advance-on-bukavu-intl/index.html