M23 Rebels and Rwandan Troops Advance into Bukavu, Escalating Eastern Congo Crisis

The capture of Bukavu's airport and surrounding areas intensifies fears of a regional conflict as calls for a ceasefire grow louder.

The M23 armed group, supported by Rwandan forces, seized Bukavu's airport and entered the outskirts of the city in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This follows the group's rapid capture of Goma in January, consolidating control over key areas near Lake Kivu and along the Rwandan border.
The Congolese military (FARDC) and allied Burundian troops have retreated, while local civil society urged avoiding urban combat to prevent mass civilian casualties.
The humanitarian crisis deepens with nearly 3,000 deaths reported and widespread displacement, with UN agencies warning of cholera risks and limited access to aid.
The African Union and regional leaders have reiterated calls for an unconditional ceasefire, while the DRC government accuses Rwanda of territorial ambitions and mineral exploitation motives.