The city of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has come to a standstill after M23 rebels took over.
Local reports indicate that daily activities have been disrupted as shops were looted following the withdrawal of the Congolese army from the city. The rebels seized Kavumu on Friday, forcing many residents to stay indoors.
“We have been locked up in our homes for days, but as the situation calms down, we are cautiously going out,” a motorcycle taxi driver stated.
Meanwhile, in neighboring North Kivu province, residents of Goma fear human rights violations, including targeted killings, looting and occupation of buildings.
On Sunday, the Congolese government claimed that the Rwandan army and its allies had entered Bukavu and urged citizens to remain vigilant.