Congo Rd | Bukavu in the hands of the M23
The situation described highlights the tense and fragile state in Bukavu, South Kivu, following its capture by the M23 rebels and Rwandan forces
The city has been experiencing a fragile calm since February 16, 2025, after intense fighting, looting, and violence on February 14 and 15. The FARDC (Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo) had abandoned the city, leaving behind weapons and ammunition that were seized by the local youth, leading to widespread looting, particularly in the historic Kadutu district.
Despite the quiet now, the population is left in a state of fear and uncertainty. The arrival of M23 and Rwandan forces was met with mixed reactions: some locals welcomed them with joy, possibly due to the dread of an impending conflict that had loomed over the city. The absence of local authorities and a lack of authoritative guidance left the people without a clear direction, leaving many to feel vulnerable.
Archbishop François-Xavier Maroy Rusengo’s plea to spare Bukavu from the same fate as Goma—where a massacre occurred following a similar situation—stands as a sobering reminder of the region’s ongoing instability. The civil society’s call for intervention was ignored, and many believed that allowing the M23 and Rwandan forces in might prevent further tragedy.
The situation in Bukavu is a stark reminder of the region’s ongoing instability, where civilians often find themselves caught between warring factions and the absence of strong governance.
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Source
- Fides Agency 27/02/2025