Residents claim that gunfire and explosions rock a Congo rebel rally, killing several people

At a big demonstration hosted by rebel leader Corneille Nangaa in the eastern city of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on Thursday, crowds fled and people were killed and injured when gunshots and explosions erupted, according to locals.

Video showed people running through the streets, some of them dragging lifeless bodies and bleeding. Although there was no instant confirmation on the number of casualties, residents reported seeing dead bodies.

Without offering any proof, Nangaa told Reuters over the phone that the attack was ordered by Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi. The government did not immediately respond.

Nangaa claimed that he was unharmed and that other high-ranking members of the rebel organization, which has been fighting Congo’s army and taking over large areas of the east since the year began, were safe.

Western nations, the Congo, and the UN claim that neighboring Rwanda is supporting Nangaa’s M23 rebel organization; Rwanda disputes these claims. Concerns of a regional conflict that would attract Congo’s neighbors have been sparked by the rebel advance.

Before the gunfire began, Nangaa addressed a throng of thousands, explaining that M23 had arrived in Bukavu to provide security. Since February 16, the organization has been in charge of the city.

“There will be special units and patrols that will take place in all the communes,” Nangaa, who was in Bukavu for the first time since the takeover, stated.

According to one resident, the shooting began at the conclusion of the gathering. “Shooting was going on everywhere. We have no idea what took place. I’m not sure, but there are dead people and injured people.

M23 has reopened ports and schools in an effort to show that it can bring peace back to the areas it has taken from the Congo’s army.

The long-running conflict in eastern Congo, which has its roots in the 1994 Rwandan genocide spilling into Congo and the struggle for control of Congo’s abundant natural wealth, has seen its most severe escalation in over ten years with this M23 push.

Rwanda claims to be protecting itself from a Hutu militia that is engaged in combat with the Congolese military.