Rwanda-Backed Rebels Occupy Major City in Eastern Congo

Officials in Congo announced that M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have occupied Bukavu, a major city known for its proximity to rich mineral deposits. The rebels, who recently seized the city of Goma, entered Bukavu with little resistance from government forces, with many residents welcoming their arrival after a prolonged march. Amid cheers from local civilians, the rebels positioned themselves at the governor’s office and promised to "clean up the disorder" left by the previous regime.

The M23, recognized as one of over 100 armed groups scrambling for control over eastern Congo’s vast mineral resources, enjoy substantial support from around 4,000 Rwandan troops, as confirmed by United Nations experts. This renewed offensive follows years of intermittent fighting and has already displaced over 6 million people in the region, contributing to what is now the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.

In Bukavu, one of the key rebel leaders openly addressed the gathered crowd, declaring that the city had been mired in chaos and that their occupation would help restore order. His call to push further toward Congo’s capital reflects what analysts see as a shift in the group’s ambitions toward political control—an evolution from their earlier actions in Goma which had attracted international condemnation.

The renewed fighting in the region is deeply intertwined with longstanding ethnic conflicts. While the M23 claims to be protecting ethnic Tutsis in Congo, their evolving leadership and changed messaging suggest a broader political objective. Regional actors, including forces from South Africa and Burundi, have been involved in supporting the Congolese government, yet there is widespread concern that the conflict could quickly escalate into a larger regional crisis.

High-level discussions at an African Union summit and warnings from U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres underline the international community’s fears of a widening conflagration. As efforts continue to seek a ceasefire and open dialogue, voices on the ground remain divided, with some residents criticizing the government's inaction and others urging calm amid uncertainty.