The Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have made a dramatic entrance into Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo, marking a significant escalation in their insurgency that began in 2022. Reports from local officials, a security source, and multiple eyewitnesses confirmed the presence of the militia in the city on Sunday.
M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma declared that the group had taken control of Bukavu, a strategic city in South Kivu province. This development follows their capture of Goma in late January, signaling a substantial expansion of territory under the rebels’ control. The fall of Bukavu, if fully confirmed, would represent the most significant territorial gain for the M23 rebels since their resurgence.
The Congolese army has yet to provide an official response to the latest advancements. However, the situation on the ground is tense, with residents witnessing the rebels’ entry firsthand. A local official, speaking anonymously for security reasons, described the scene from their home: “I can see with my own eyes the M23 entering our town.”
As the M23 continues its aggressive push through eastern Congo, the conflict is raising alarm and uncertainty among the local population and regional stakeholders. The international community watches closely, concerned about the potential implications for stability in the region.