The situation in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo has taken a concerning turn, with the M23 rebel group, supported by Rwandan troops, seizing control of another key city, Bukavu. This development has sparked worries among the international community, with the African Union warning of the risk of “balkanization.” The rebels’ advance on Bukavu began on Friday, as they took control of the airport located 30 kilometers from the city, following their capture of the city of Rubare, the capital of North Kivu province, at the end of January.
Strategic Influence
Bukavu, a city with a population of one million, is a strategic location that gives the rebels total control of Lake Kivu, which lies on the border with Rwanda. This is a significant gain for the M23 group, as it allows them to exert influence over a crucial region. The international community has been quick to condemn the rebels’ actions, calling on Rwanda to cease its military support for the M23. However, Rwanda has denied that its troops are deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, despite claims from the Congolese government that there are over 4,000 Rwandan soldiers in the country.
The conflict in eastern Congo has been ongoing for three years, with the government accusing Rwanda of seeking to control an area rich in mining resources used to manufacture batteries and electronic devices. Rwanda, on the other hand, argues that it is seeking to guarantee its own security by eradicating armed groups from the region, particularly those responsible for the 1994 genocide of the Tutsi. The situation is complex, with many residents of Bukavu welcoming the M23 fighters as “liberators.” As one resident, Kigohwa Kalimbasha, put it, “We welcome our liberators, I feel an immense joy that floods my heart.”
International Response
The African Union has been vocal in its condemnation of the M23’s actions, with Commissioner for Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye warning that the bloc does not want to see “a balkanization of the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.” The UN Secretary General António Guterres has also called for calm, urging all parties to “avoid a regional escalation at all costs” and stressing the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the growing crisis in eastern Congo. One thing is certain, however: the conflict has the potential to escalate into a regional crisis, with far-reaching consequences for the entire African continent.