BUKAVU, Congo — On Sunday morning, the M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, advanced into the heart of Bukavu, the second largest city in eastern Congo. They seized control of the South Kivu province administrative office with minimal resistance from government forces, many of whom were seen retreating from the rebels’ encroaching presence.
Observers in Bukavu reported numerous locals cheering for the M23 rebels as they paraded through the city center after completing a lengthy march from Goma, approximately 63 miles (101 kilometers) away, which they had captured just weeks prior. Despite the enthusiasm from some residents, large areas of the city remained deserted, with many people opting to stay indoors.
The M23 rebels stand out among more than 100 armed factions competing for dominance in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region. They benefit from an estimated 4,000 troops sent by Rwanda, according to United Nations reports.
The situation in Bukavu remains fluid, and it is uncertain whether the rebels have secured full control over the city, which has a population of around 1.3 million. Their presence there marks a significant and unprecedented increase in their operational footprint during their prolonged conflict with Congolese forces. Unlike in 2012—when their campaign for Goma was heavily influenced by ethnic tensions—analysts now believe the rebels are pursuing greater political influence.
Many Congolese soldiers were observed retreating alongside countless civilians as panic set in, leading to widespread looting during the rebels’ advance into Bukavu on Saturday.
In response to this deteriorating security situation, Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi conducted a security meeting in the distant capital of Kinshasa. Officials indicated that while Bukavu was “briefly” invaded by M23 forces, it is still under the control of the Congolese army and allied local militias—a position reiterated by the presidency through social media updates. On Sunday, there were no signs of active conflict or visible Congolese military personnel remaining in significant portions of Bukavu.
Tshisekedi has expressed concerns regarding the potential for the conflict to escalate regionally. In Bukavu, the Congolese troops are receiving support from Burundian forces, while South African troops are assisting in Goma.
Burundi’s president, Evariste Ndayishimiye, hinted at a non-retaliatory stance by stating that those who might profit from Rwanda’s military actions against Burundi would not succeed.
Meanwhile, the Congo River Alliance—a coalition that includes the M23—voiced its commitment to “defending the people of Bukavu.” However, their statement avoided direct acknowledgment of their presence in the city. “We urge the residents to maintain control over their city and resist succumbing to fear,” remarked Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the alliance.
This ongoing conflict in Congo ties back to decades of ethnic strife. The M23 claims to be safeguarding the Tutsi ethnic group in Congo, while Rwanda has alleged that this group faces persecution from Hutus and former militias tied to the 1994 genocide which claimed the lives of around 800,000 Tutsis and others in Rwanda. Many Hutus fled to Congo following the genocide, giving rise to the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda, a militia that Rwanda asserts is now “fully integrated” into the Congolese military, a claim vehemently denied by Congo’s authorities.
