Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, a rebel leader confirmed on Friday.
The advance follows the capture of Kavumu airport, north of Bukavu, earlier in the day.
The Congolese army confirmed its withdrawal from the airport, with troops pulling back along with their equipment.
M23 fighters have been pushing southward since taking control of Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, at the end of January.
The capture of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, would be a major territorial expansion for the rebels since their resurgence in 2022, further weakening the central government’s authority in the region.
“I confirm that we entered Bukavu this evening, and tomorrow, we will continue with the operation to clean up the city,” said Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes M23.
Residents in Bukavu’s northern district of Bagira reported seeing rebels on the streets, though no immediate clashes were observed.
“Their uniforms were different. We had been prepared since the daytime for their arrival … the FARDC (Congolese army) had left,” said a resident, Helene.
The Congolese army has not officially responded, but earlier, military spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge confirmed the retreat from Kavumu airport.
While the destination of the withdrawing troops remains unclear, sources reported seeing Congolese and Burundian soldiers leaving Saio, Bukavu’s main military camp.
Humanitarian Concerns and Regional Tensions
The growing conflict in Bukavu raises concerns over worsening humanitarian conditions.
The United Nations warned on Thursday of a surge in displaced people moving toward the city, which already houses nearly 1.3 million residents.
Meanwhile, President Félix Tshisekedi has been calling for international intervention to prevent further escalation.
Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he warned that the conflict could destabilize the entire region. “Of course, this could lead to a spillover in the region,” Tshisekedi said, urging the international community to hold Rwanda accountable for supporting M23.
Rwanda has consistently denied these allegations, arguing that it is acting in self-defence against a Hutu-led militia operating alongside Congolese forces.
The crisis will be a key issue at the upcoming African Union summit in Addis Ababa, though Tshisekedi will not attend in person, sending his prime minister instead.
Amid the escalating violence in the east, security has also tightened in the capital, Kinshasa, where a heightened military presence has been observed over the past week.
In Munich, Tshisekedi accused former president Joseph Kabila of supporting M23 and collaborating with Rwanda to destabilize the country.
Kabila’s communications adviser, Barbara Nzimbi, dismissed the claims, calling them an attempt to find a scapegoat rather than a solution.
The conflict in eastern Congo continues to escalate, with fears of further violence and displacement as M23 consolidates its hold over strategic areas.
Reuters/Patience Ameh
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