Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo have reportedly entered the vital trading hub of Bukavu in the eastern part of the country, according to statements from the fighters and videos shared by local residents. This development, if confirmed, would mark Bukavu as the latest city to fall amid a significant offensive that highlights the vulnerabilities within the Congolese Army.
The M23 rebels, who are believed to receive support from Rwanda, encountered little resistance as they marched into Bukavu, a provincial capital known for its gold trading and smuggling activities. According to Willy Ngoma, a spokesman for M23, the group has established a presence in the city.
Witnesses reported that the rebels addressed a crowd in Bukavu’s main square after entering the city in organized formations. In contrast, Congolese soldiers had reportedly fled the city shortly before, leading to a security vacuum and allowing looters to raid warehouses and shops. The Congolese government has not made any public statements regarding the situation, and the reports of Bukavu's capture have not been independently verified.
The potential fall of Bukavu contrasts sharply with the recent protracted battle for Goma, where nearly 3,000 people were killed last month, according to United Nations reports. Should Bukavu fall to M23, the group would control two of the largest trading hubs in Congo’s mineral-rich eastern region.
Experts suggest that the capture of Bukavu could escalate regional tensions, particularly with neighboring Burundi, whose troops have been aiding the Congolese Army. The proximity of Bukavu to the Burundi border further complicates the situation, raising concerns about the possibility of a wider regional conflict.
With Bukavu now under M23 control, the rebels are more closely aligned with their Rwandan supporters. Bukavu and Goma, situated on the edges of Lake Kivu, serve as critical points for the smuggling of minerals, a practice that has reportedly increased in recent years.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has acknowledged the presence of Rwandan soldiers in eastern Congo but has denied any support for the M23 group. Meanwhile, M23 leaders have announced their intentions to advance towards Kinshasa, the capital of Congo, while the Congolese government remains unwilling to negotiate with M23 or Rwanda.
M23 stands out as the most powerful of the numerous armed groups that have destabilized eastern Congo for nearly three decades. Following their capture of Goma, M23 leaders have sought to frame themselves as a governing body capable of restoring order and security in one of Africa’s richest mining regions.
During a public address, M23 official Bernard Byamungu emphasized the importance of collaboration for national development, asserting that peace is fundamental for stability. However, the group’s calls for peace contrast starkly with their history of violent tactics and violations of ceasefires.
Unlike the unexpected chaos in Goma, the capture of Bukavu was anticipated, as schools had already closed and many residents had fled in anticipation of the M23 offensive. This recent operation follows the group’s announcement that they had seized control of a nearby airport, which had served as a crucial base for the Congolese Army.
The ongoing M23 offensive, which began in early January, has exacerbated instability in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals and afflicted by decades of conflict. Over 500,000 individuals were displaced last month, and incidents of sexual violence against children have reportedly surged, according to UNICEF.