Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have seized Kavumu Airport, a key facility serving Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, according to the rebel alliance and a civilian security source. The rebels, who captured Goma last month, are advancing south toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province. Taking control of the city would represent a significant territorial expansion and further weaken Kinshasa government’s authority in the region.
Airport operations have been halted and Congolese forces have removed equipment including drones and military aircraft. A spokesman for the rebel alliance confirmed that they control the airport and surrounding areas. UN and international reports also confirmed that the rebels have reached the area.
Meanwhile, President Felix Tshisekedi is seeking international support to address the crisis. He has traveled to Germany for the Munich Security Conference and is expected to attend the African Union summit in Addis Ababa. The conflict in eastern DR Congo will be a major focus at the summit, with the UN Refugee Agency warning of a worsening humanitarian crisis with an estimated 350,000 displaced people without shelter.
Fighting continues in the region and gunfire can be heard in Kavumu. On Friday, rebels seized control of the town of Katana, 11 kilometres from the airport. Further north, Kabamba fell to M23 forces on Thursday. The escalating violence has also led to an increased military presence in Kinshasa, where recent protests have targeted UN facilities and foreign embassies including those of Rwanda, France, the United States and Kenya.