The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is once again in the grip of intense violence as the M23 rebel group continues its aggressive offensive in the eastern part of the country. Bukavu, a key city in South Kivu province, has become the latest flashpoint, with scenes of sporadic gunfire, looting, and mass displacement unfolding in recent days.
Bukavu Under Siege
On Saturday, Bukavu residents reported widespread looting and gunfire that left the streets deserted as terrified citizens sought refuge in their homes. A woman interviewed by the BBC expressed the growing fear among locals: “I only have enough food for three days. As a woman, it is difficult for me to go outside because I could be raped by looters or armed groups. We feel abandoned by the authorities.”
The violence did not spare humanitarian aid facilities. The World Food Programme (WFP) confirmed that its depot in Bukavu, containing 6,800 metric tons of food, was ransacked. Claude Kalinga, a spokesperson for the UN agency, warned that this looting would worsen the plight of thousands who depend on food assistance.
Rising Tensions and Regional Fears
The situation in Bukavu remains fluid, with conflicting reports about the extent of the M23’s presence in the city. While some residents claimed to have seen rebel fighters in the northern suburb of Bagira, others suggested that the rebels had not yet ventured into the city center.
The capture of Bukavu, a city of over a million people and a crucial hub for mineral trade, would mark a significant escalation in the M23’s campaign. The group’s resurgence in 2022 reignited long-standing tensions in the mineral-rich region, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and destabilizing communities.
The Congolese government has consistently accused Rwanda of backing the M23 to exploit the region’s natural resources—an allegation Kigali denies. The conflict has also drawn in Uganda, whose military has been supporting the Congolese army against Islamist militants since 2021. However, UN experts claim Uganda has also provided support to the M23.
International Response
The escalating violence has prompted strong reactions from the international community. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, addressing an African Union summit, warned against regional escalation, emphasizing that “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected.” The European Union echoed this sentiment, condemning the violation of Congolese territory and vowing to explore all available measures in response.
A particularly alarming development came when Uganda’s army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, threatened on social media to attack the Congolese town of Bunia unless “all forces” there surrendered within 24 hours. This statement has stoked fears of a broader regional conflict reminiscent of the devastating wars of the 1990s and early 2000s that claimed millions of lives.
A Crisis Rooted in History
The ongoing violence in eastern DRC has deep historical roots. The 1994 Rwandan genocide triggered waves of instability that have persisted for more than three decades. The region’s vast reserves of gold, coltan, and other valuable minerals have further fueled conflicts, with various armed groups vying for control and profits.
Despite numerous peace efforts, the situation remains volatile, with millions of civilians caught in the crossfire. The looting of humanitarian aid supplies and the constant displacement of communities underscore the urgent need for a sustainable resolution.
The Humanitarian Toll
The humanitarian impact of the conflict is devastating. The United Nations reports that hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes in recent weeks. Displaced families face dire conditions, with limited access to food, clean water, and medical care.
As the world watches with growing concern, the people of Bukavu and the wider eastern DRC continue to endure the horrors of a conflict that shows no sign of abating. The international community’s challenge is to prevent further escalation while supporting efforts to achieve lasting peace in this troubled region.
Nairobian will continue to monitor and report on the unfolding crisis in the DRC as events develop.