M23 Rebels Seize Bukavu, Deepening Crisis in Eastern DR Congo

The capture of the strategic city highlights escalating tensions, with accusations against Rwanda and fears of regional conflict intensifying.

The M23 rebel group has taken full control of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, after a series of clashes with Congolese forces.
The conflict has displaced over a million people since 2022 and led to widespread plundering, including the looting of a UN food warehouse in Bukavu.
The Democratic Republic of Congo accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebels to exploit mineral resources, a claim Kigali denies, citing border security concerns.
The African Union and UN Secretary-General António Guterres have called for diplomacy and warned of the risk of a broader regional war.
Western nations, including France and Belgium, have urged Rwanda to withdraw support for the rebels, with potential sanctions being discussed.