Eastern Congo’s city of Bukavu descended into chaos on Saturday as residents fled en masse, fearing the approach of Rwanda-backed M23 rebels. Streets were crowded with panicked civilians and looters ransacking supplies, while corpses burned in the aftermath of abandoned military positions.
Residents reported widespread looting, factory pillaging, and emptied prisons, with Congolese troops retreating after setting fire to leftover ammunition. Alain Iragi, a local resident, described the fear as he fled to safety.
The Congo River Alliance, which includes M23, blamed Congolese forces and allied militias for the disorder, urging calm among the population. However, Bukavu’s residents remain on edge as M23, backed by 4,000 Rwandan troops, continues its southward push after seizing Goma and key territories.
The ongoing conflict has killed nearly 3,000 people, displaced hundreds of thousands, and left 350,000 without shelter. On Friday, rebels reportedly seized the strategically vital Kavumu airport near Bukavu, which Congolese forces had used for resupply and humanitarian aid.
The international community, including UN Secretary General António Guterres, has called for a ceasefire and warned of a potential regional escalation. However, African leaders remain divided on solutions to the crisis, while Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi continues to push for international intervention against M23 and Rwanda.
As tensions rise, regional powers like Uganda and Burundi deploy troops in support of Congo’s forces, adding further complexity to a volatile and worsening situation.
Source: Swifteradio.com
