M23 Rebels Seize Bukavu as Second Major City Falls in Eastern DR Congo.

M23 soldiers in Bukavu town newly captured. Courtesy image.

Bukavu, DR Congo – The eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has witnessed another major city fall into the hands of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, as Bukavu, the second-largest city in the region, was taken over without resistance. The rebels have seized the regional governor’s office, further expanding their control in the conflict-ridden area.

The fall of Bukavu comes just weeks after the strategic city of Goma was also captured by the rebels. The Congolese government has confirmed the loss of the city and has urged residents to stay indoors to avoid potential danger from occupying forces.

As M23 fighters marched and drove into the city center, some residents lined the streets to cheer and clap for them. However, it remains unclear whether this reaction was out of support for the rebels or fear of retaliation. Meanwhile, many others stayed in their homes, too afraid to venture outside.

A Bukavu resident, who requested anonymity for safety reasons, described the tense situation. “Since yesterday, children and young people took up weapons. They are shooting everywhere, in all directions, and looting,” she said. “This morning, the M23 entered, and some people cheered for them. We don’t know if it’s because they are happy or simply because there were no authorities left in the city.”

Gunfire could still be heard in some parts of Bukavu, raising concerns about ongoing violence despite the rebels’ swift takeover.

The recent rebel advances have forced hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, worsening an already dire humanitarian crisis. The United Nations and several European governments have warned that the escalating conflict could trigger a wider regional war, drawing in neighboring countries.

The M23 rebellion, which has long been linked to Rwandan support, has fueled tensions between Kinshasa and Kigali. The Congolese government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of backing the rebels, a claim that Rwanda denies.

With Bukavu now under rebel control, fears are growing about the possibility of further M23 advances and the long-term implications for peace and stability in the region.

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