Tensions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) escalated further after explosions at a rally in the rebel-held city of Bukavu on Thursday left 13 dead and scores wounded. The Congolese government and the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group have each blamed the other for the attack, exacerbating the ongoing conflict in the country’s volatile eastern region.
Congo’s army accused Rwandan forces and M23 rebels of launching rockets and grenades into a crowd gathered to hear a speech by a rebel leader. The interior ministry described the attack as a deliberate assault on civilians, posting a statement on X condemning Rwanda’s involvement. Kigali has denied supporting M23 and has not issued a response to the latest accusations.
Meanwhile, Corneille Nangaa, leader of a rebel alliance that includes M23, blamed Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi’s government. He alleged that the grenades used were of the same type as those employed by Burundi’s army, which has been assisting Congolese forces in the region. However, Burundi’s military spokesman refuted this claim, stating that no Burundian troops were present in Bukavu.
Eyewitnesses provided conflicting accounts of the incident. Two witnesses told Reuters they saw an attacker attempt to fire a grenade at a convoy of rebel leaders but miss, resulting in casualties among rally attendees. According to one witness, the grenade exploded prematurely, killing the attacker as well.
Following the attack, Bukavu residents responded by donating blood for the injured. A local hospital reported treating 68 people for injuries, while the interior ministry stated that nearly 100 individuals were seriously wounded. Families of the deceased were left in limbo, as hospitals delayed the release of bodies, citing a lack of official authorization.
Despite international sanctions and peace efforts, the M23 rebels continue their offensive, having seized control of Goma and Bukavu. The United Nations reported that nearly 60,000 people have fled to Burundi in the last two weeks. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to broker peace remain stalled, with a key regional meeting on a ceasefire plan postponed. The situation remains dire as fears of a broader regional conflict grow.
