GOMA, Congo — On Friday, rebels supported by Rwanda made significant advances by entering Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo, according to local officials and civil society representatives. This marks the latest achievement in their ongoing conflict with government forces, which has intensified in recent months.
The M23 rebels infiltrated the Kazingu and Bagira zones of Bukavu, progressing toward the core of the city, which is home to approximately 1.3 million inhabitants. Jean Samy, the vice-president of civil society in South Kivu, indicated that sporadic gunfire could be heard across various parts of the city.
Social media videos seemed to depict the rebels making their way toward the Bagira region, with commentary from bystanders noting the large number of fighters present. Earlier in the day, the M23 faction claimed responsibility for capturing a second airport in the vicinity, located in the town of Kavumu, after days of tactical advancements. The United Nations has expressed grave concerns, highlighting that the recent upsurge in fighting has left around 350,000 internally displaced individuals without adequate shelter.
The M23, bolstered by approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops, gained control over Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, in late January. This group is the most notable among over 100 armed factions competing for dominance in the mineral-rich eastern region. According to reports from the U.N. and Congolese officials, the fighting has led to the death of at least 2,000 individuals in and around Goma and has left countless others displaced.
The status of the Kavumu national airport remains uncertain following claims of its capture by the M23. Located about 30 kilometers (approximately 18.5 miles) from Bukavu, the airport’s control has not been confirmed by government or civil society representatives.
After the M23 rebels took over Goma and its airport, Kavumu airport became a strategic target. Goma is vital for trade and humanitarian efforts, being home to nearly 6.5 million individuals forced to flee due to the ongoing violence, marking it as one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka stated on X that the occupation of Kavumu airport and its adjacent areas was necessary to “eliminate the threat at the source.” He asserted that the airport posed a risk to local civilians.
In a statement, Congo’s Communication Ministry condemned the M23 for breaching a ceasefire requested by regional leaders. The ministry accused the rebels of instigating urban warfare by attacking military positions of the FARDC (Congolese military), which has been striving to minimize bloodshed in Bukavu.
A leader from Kavumu reported witnessing soldiers vacating their posts and moving towards Bukavu, inciting widespread fear in the community. This prompted him to take precautions to ensure his family’s safety, while speaking under the condition of anonymity due to potential repercussions.
President Félix Tshisekedi expressed discontent regarding the international community’s perceived inability to halt the aggressions from the rebels and Rwandan forces. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, he remarked on the disparity in how the United Nations appears to function based on the power dynamics among countries.
The rebels’ recent movements have instigated widespread panic among residents throughout South Kivu. Many have begun fleeing from Kavumu towards Bukavu, while others are seeking refuge in surrounding towns or stocking up on essential supplies as local economies face collapse.
“I saw soldiers fleeing, and realized I could no longer stay here,” stated Chirimwami Alexis, a resident escaping from Kavumu. “The fear is palpable, as people move aimlessly without food or preparation, purely in response to this situation.”
Last week, the M23 announced a unilateral ceasefire, which the government dismissed as insincere. Nevertheless, the group continued its territorial advances, recently capturing several towns, including Katana, just 7 kilometers (4 miles) from Kavumu airport.
In light of the crisis, the U.N. refugee agency reported that numerous displaced individuals are now residing in overcrowded makeshift shelters, churches, schools, and hospitals. The devastation caused by heavy artillery and looting has resulted in the destruction of around 70,000 emergency shelters in the Goma and Minova regions, leaving roughly 350,000 people without adequate housing.
Leaders from across Africa are set to convene in Ethiopia for an upcoming summit under the African Union, an organization that has faced criticism for its lack of action amid ongoing conflicts in various parts of the continent. A recent gathering of eastern and southern African leaders called for a ceasefire in eastern Congo but did not specifically urge the M23 to halt its territorial gains.
