Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern DR Congo, capturing the regional governor’s office. The insurgents entered the city without resistance, with some residents cheering their arrival. This marks the second major city, after Goma, to fall under their control in recent weeks.
The Congolese government acknowledged the loss and urged residents to stay indoors. The UN and European nations warn that the escalating conflict, which has displaced hundreds of thousands, could trigger a broader regional war. Government forces withdrew to avoid urban combat, leading to chaos, including a prison break and the looting of a UN food warehouse.
Tensions between DR Congo and Rwanda have intensified, with Kinshasa accusing Kigali of fueling instability for resource exploitation, claims Rwanda denies. Meanwhile, the African Union has urged M23 to disarm, fearing the crisis could spiral into a regional conflict.
