Rwanda-backed M23 rebels breach second major city in Congo’s mineral-rich east

Rwanda-Backed M23 Rebels Expand Control in Eastern Congo Amid Rising Tensions

The situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a concerning turn as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have expanded their control in the mineral-rich eastern region. According to Congo’s government, the rebels have now "occupied" a second major city, Bukavu, following their capture of Goma last month. Bukavu, home to over 1.3 million people, is a strategic location and a key urban center in South Kivu province. The M23 rebels, who have faced little resistance from government forces, were seen marching into the city, where scores of residents cheered their arrival. This unprecedented expansion of their reach has raised alarm bells, both locally and internationally, as the region grapples with the world’s largest humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the displacement of over six million people.

Rebels Pledge to ‘Clean Up’ After the ‘Old Regime’

The M23 rebels, positioning themselves as a force for change, have vowed to restore order and address the "disorder" left behind by the "old regime." Bernard Maheshe Byamungu, one of the M23 leaders sanctioned by the U.N. Security Council for human rights abuses, addressed a small crowd of residents in front of the South Kivu governor’s office in Bukavu. He claimed that the people of Congo had been living in a "jungle" and promised to "clean up" the mess left by the previous authorities. While the M23 did not officially declare the seizure of Bukavu, as they had with Goma, their presence has already sent shockwaves through the region. Some residents, frustrated with the lack of government intervention, expressed support for the rebels, with chants urging them to "go all the way to Kinshasa," Congo’s capital.

Fears of Regional Escalation and Ethnic Tensions

The conflict in eastern Congo is deeply intertwined with decades of ethnic tensions, particularly between the Tutsi and Hutu communities. The M23 claims to be defending ethnic Tutsis in Congo, while Rwanda accuses the Congolese government of failing to protect Tutsis from persecution by Hutu militias, some of whom fled to Congo after the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Rwanda has been accused of supporting the M23, with U.N. experts estimating that around 4,000 Rwandan troops are embedded within the rebel group. However, the M23 has attempted to rebrand itself as a more inclusive force, with figures like Corneille Nangaa, who is not Tutsi, taking on a more prominent role. This shift has led analysts to suggest that the rebels may be seeking broader political influence in Congo.

Congo’s Government Struggles to Respond

Congo’s government has vowed to restore order in Bukavu and protect its territorial integrity, but so far, there has been little visible effort to retake the city. Government forces were largely absent as the M23 rebels entered Bukavu, with many soldiers and officials fleeing alongside thousands of civilians. The lack of resistance has raised questions about the government’s capacity to address the crisis. President Felix Tshisekedi has warned of the risk of the conflict spilling over into neighboring countries, but regional and international efforts to address the situation have been muted. Troops from South Africa and Burundi, which were initially deployed to support Congo’s forces, have not been able to stem the rebel advance.

International Community Calls for Calm

The conflict in Congo has drawn the attention of the African Union and the United Nations, with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warning of the risk of a regional conflagration. However, despite the gravity of the situation, there has been little decisive action from the international community. Most leaders have called for a ceasefire and dialogue between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels. The Congo River Alliance, a coalition of rebel groups including the M23, has stated its commitment to "defending" the people of Bukavu and urged residents to remain calm. Meanwhile, analysts caution that the M23’s current expansion marks a significant shift from their previous operations, suggesting that they may be aiming for greater political power.

A Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The fighting in eastern Congo has already created unimaginable suffering, with over six million people displaced and thousands more caught in the crossfire. The region’s mineral wealth, critical for global technology production, continues to be a central factor in the conflict, with more than 100 armed groups vying for control. As the M23 rebels consolidate their gains, the humanitarian crisis shows no signs of abating. Without a meaningful intervention from the Congolese government or the international community, the situation is likely to deteriorate further, leaving millions of innocent civilians caught in the middle of a deadly and complex conflict. The people of Congo deserve peace, stability, and a chance to rebuild their lives, but the path to that future remains uncertain.