Rwanda-backed rebels take over second DR Congo city

Monday, February 17, 2025 - Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have seized control of Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), taking over the regional governor’s office as government forces withdrew.

The capture of Bukavu, which follows the fall of Goma weeks earlier, marks a major escalation in the conflict in the mineral-rich region. Some residents lined the streets to cheer the M23 fighters as they entered the city without resistance.

The Congolese government has confirmed the fall of Bukavu, urging residents to stay indoors “to avoid being targeted by the occupying forces.”

The UN and European nations have warned that the ongoing offensive—displacing hundreds of thousands of people—could lead to a wider regional conflict.

A Bukavu resident, speaking anonymously for safety reasons, described the fear and chaos in the city:

He said, “Since yesterday, children and youth took up weapons. They are shooting everywhere, looting. The gunfire is still crackling.”

The M23 rebels captured Bukavu’s main airport, 30 km (18 miles) north of the city, before advancing towards the provincial capital of South-Kivu. The provincial governor, Jean-Jacques Purusi Sadiki, confirmed that Congolese forces withdrew to prevent urban warfare.

With security forces gone, chaos erupted in Bukavu on Saturday, including a prison break and the looting of a UN World Food Programme (WFP) warehouse holding 7,000 tonnes of food.

Recall that the DR Congo government has accused Rwanda of backing M23 to exploit its natural resources, an allegation Kigali denies.

Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya condemned Rwanda’s alleged involvement, accusing it of violating DR Congo’s sovereignty through “expansionist ambitions and human rights abuses.”

President Félix Tshisekedi has called for sanctions against Rwandan President Paul Kagame, but Kagame has dismissed the threats, maintaining that Rwanda’s primary concern is security.

The African Union (AU), currently holding a summit in Ethiopia, has again called on M23 to disarm, warning that the situation could trigger an open regional war.