Tensions in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) escalated on Saturday as M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, reached the northern suburbs of Bukavu, the region’s second-largest city. The rapid advance comes just weeks after the rebels seized control of Goma, amplifying fears of a wider regional conflict.
Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, addressing the crisis, issued a firm demand: “We are asking for one thing and cannot accept anything else: the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. We are an independent country and we must protect the integrity of our territory.”
The unfolding situation took a dramatic turn when Uganda’s army chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, threatened to attack the Congolese town of Bunia unless “all forces” in the region surrendered within 24 hours. The remarks raised alarm over a potential escalation into a broader war, reminiscent of the conflicts in the 1990s and early 2000s that resulted in millions of deaths.
Uganda has officially supported the Congolese army in its fight against Islamist militants in the east since 2021, even deploying an additional 1,000 soldiers earlier this year. However, U.N. reports suggest that Uganda has also provided support to the M23 rebels. Suminwa declined to comment on Kainerugaba’s statement.
Meanwhile, chaos erupted in Bukavu as reports emerged of widespread looting. The World Food Programme’s (WFP) depot in the city, which contained 6,800 metric tons of food, was raided, with verified videos showing large crowds carrying off supplies. A WFP spokesperson confirmed the agency had already suspended operations due to the deteriorating security situation.
Adding to the turmoil, Bukavu’s main prison was emptied, with a provincial official confirming that soldiers had freed some prisoners while others escaped. Congolese troops, in an effort to prevent their weapons from falling into enemy hands, set fire to a military weapons depot, according to local sources.
Despite conflicting reports on whether M23 had fully entered Bukavu, a city of about two million people, the rebel alliance led by Corneille Nangaa announced their presence. However, some military officers indicated that soldiers were withdrawing strategically to prevent a repeat of the Goma bloodshed, where 3,000 people were killed.
The international community, including France and Belgium, condemned M23’s offensive. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for immediate dialogue, warning that further territorial losses in the DRC could trigger a full-scale regional war.
President Felix Tshisekedi, who had been attending the Munich Security Conference, cut short his trip and returned to Kinshasa to address the escalating crisis. However, he has consistently refused direct negotiations with M23.
With tensions at a boiling point, the situation in Bukavu remains precarious, and the risk of regional destabilization looms larger than ever.
