The M23 group has already seized the capital of North Kivu province in the latest escalation of a decades-long conflict
The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) rebel group M23 has threatened to expand its offensive to Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, citing a “dangerously deteriorating” situation as clashes flare up in nearby towns.
Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the M23 and the rebel coalition known as the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), issued the warning in a post on X on Tuesday.
“The situation in Bukavu is deteriorating dangerously. Our compatriots are continually being killed and pillaged. If these crimes persist, we will take our responsibilities to eradicate the threat at its source and protect our people,” Kanyuka declared.
Since the beginning of the year, M23 fighters have been carrying out an offensive against the Central African nation’s government, killing several foreign peacekeeping soldiers, including more than a dozen from South Africa. In late January, the rebels seized Goma, a city on the Rwandan border and the capital of DR Congo’s eastern North Kivu province. According to the UN, the M23 has appointed de facto authorities, including a governor and mayor for Goma.
At least 2,900 people have been killed and more than 3,000 others injured as a result of the hostilities, according to the latest UN estimates.
Last week, the rebels declared a unilateral humanitarian ceasefire and denied any intentions of capturing Bukavu, home to around 1.3 million people.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday about the situation in the country, Bruno Lemarquis, the UN deputy special representative in the DR Congo, said the militants are advancing toward Kavumu Airport, located close to Bukavu.
“Clashes are ongoing… and the M23 may use alternative routes to progress towards the town of Bukavu in the coming days, with again massive consequences on the civilian population,” he warned.
The former Belgian colony’s resource-rich east has been plagued by decades of violence, with dozens of armed groups, including the M23, fighting the local authorities over minerals such as gold and diamonds.
The conflict has strained relations between the DR Congo government and the authorities in Rwanda. Kinshasa has repeatedly accused the neighboring state of providing support to the M23 – a claim Kigali has consistently denied.
Last week, Yolande Makolo, spokesperson for the Rwandan government, told RT that Kigali is committed to peace and a sustainable resolution to the conflict in the DR Congo. She backed calls for a political process led by the African Union and regional leaders to resolve the conflict.
