Kinshasha – In a significant escalation of the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of Bukavu, a strategic city in the eastern part of the country. This development follows the group’s earlier capture of Goma in late January, marking a substantial expansion of their territorial control in the mineral-rich region.
The M23 rebels advanced into Bukavu on February 16, 2025, encountering minimal resistance from government forces. Residents reported seeing rebel troops in central districts since the early morning, with little opposition from the Congolese army, which had withdrawn to prevent urban warfare. The withdrawal, however, led to chaos, including clashes between retreating soldiers and allied militias, as well as widespread looting. Notably, the World Food Programme’s depot in Bukavu was looted, resulting in the loss of 6,800 metric tons of food aid.
The capture of Bukavu, a city of over one million residents, deals a severe blow to the central government in Kinshasa and raises concerns about the country’s stability. M23 leaders have vowed to continue their advance toward the capital, Kinshasa. Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which includes the M23 rebels, has stated their intention to “clean up the disorder left over from the old regime.”
The rebel advance coincided with President Felix Tshisekedi’s participation in the Munich Security Conference in Germany. During the conference, Tshisekedi condemned Rwanda’s “expansionist ambitions” and called on the international community to impose sanctions on Rwandan President Paul Kagame. He emphasized that Rwanda’s repeated provocations had gone unchecked for years and urged for decisive countermeasures.
In response to the escalating crisis, the African Union (AU) convened a summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. While President Kagame attended the summit, President Tshisekedi was represented by his prime minister, as he continued to seek international support to address the conflict. However, diplomatic progress appears unlikely due to Rwanda’s defiance and denial of involvement with the M23 rebels.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the situation, with Secretary-General António Guterres warning that the conflict risks escalating into a broader regional war. The humanitarian crisis is also worsening, with approximately 350,000 people displaced due to the recent fighting. Reports have emerged of atrocities committed by the M23 rebels, including the execution of children in Bukavu.
