M23 rebels threaten to intervene in Congo’s Bukavu

M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, who are supported by Rwanda, issued a threat on Tuesday to advance on the provincial capital of Bukavu. They cited a “dangerously deteriorating” situation in the context of renewed skirmishes on the front line.

The rebels had halted their march toward the capital of South Kivu province after proclaiming a unilateral ceasefire, which was subsequently followed by demands for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire from regional leaders. They had seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, at the end of January.

They had not made any substantial progress since capturing the mining town of Nyabibwe last week.

Reuters was informed by rebel, military, and local sources that heavy bombardment was reported along the frontline on Tuesday morning.

The Congolese army continues to maintain control over Bukavu and the strategic settlement of Kavumu, which is situated 35 km to the north and is the site of the airport. Since the apprehension of more than 80 soldiers, the region has been engulfed in panic as a result of the looting of villages and the perpetration of violent acts against civilians by fugitive soldiers.

“The situation in Bukavu is rapidly deteriorating.” In a post on X, Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for a rebel alliance that includes M23, complained that “our compatriots are continually being killed and pillaged.”

“If these crimes persist, we will take our responsibilities to eradicate the threat at its source and protect our people.”

The separatists’ progress and the potential for a battle for Bukavu have escalated concerns about the possibility of a catastrophic regional conflict, in which armies from various regional countries are arrayed against one another, as was the case in previous conflicts between 1996 and 2003.

The Congolese army, which is bolstered by the Burundian army and allied militia groups, is expected to encounter opposition from Rwandan troops and insurgents who have entered South Kivu, according to the United Nations on Thursday.

Congo, the United Nations, and numerous Western nations have accused Rwanda of providing support and weapons to the insurgents, allegations that Kigali has denied. In an effort to safeguard its citizens and borders, Rwanda maintains that it has been primarily defensive.

Since early 2022, the conflict in eastern Congo has resurfaced, resulting in the displacement of over one million people and the deaths of thousands.

On Tuesday, the U.N. office for humanitarian affairs announced that Goma had experienced a gradual resumption of activities, resulting in an uneasy calm.

After the rebels announced on Sunday that the displacement sites around Goma must be vacated within 72 hours, it was reported that thousands of civilians were departing for safer locations. However, the separatists subsequently clarified that returns should be voluntary.

The U.N. office also stated that aid organizations have expressed apprehension regarding the potential loss of essential humanitarian infrastructure, such as health centers and water facilities, as a result of the unplanned dismantling of the displacement sites.