Rebels Take Over Bukavu: What's Next for Congo?

On Sunday, a group of rebels backed by Rwanda made their way to the heart of Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo. The rebels, known as M23, were seen by many residents and journalists as they marched through the city. The rebels didn't face much resistance from the government forces. This is a big deal because it shows how much power M23 has gained in the region. M23 is one of over 100 armed groups fighting for control of Congo's mineral-rich eastern region. They have the support of about 4, 000 troops from Rwanda. The fighting has forced more than 6 million people to leave their homes, making it the world's largest humanitarian crisis. After taking Goma, a major city in the region, M23 has now set its sights on Bukavu. The rebels took control of key locations in Bukavu, including the South Kivu administrative office. There were no signs of fighting or government forces in most parts of the city. Residents like Blaise Byamungu, 37, felt abandoned by the authorities. He asked, "Is the government waiting for them to take over other towns to take action? It's cowardice. " Unlike in 2012, when M23 only seized Goma, this time the rebels seem to be aiming for political power. Many Congolese soldiers fled the city alongside thousands of civilians amid widespread looting and panic. Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi held a security meeting in Kinshasa, the capital, on Saturday. Officials said Bukavu was "briefly" invaded by M23 but remains under the control of the Congolese army and allies from local militia. Tshisekedi warned of the risk of a regional expansion of the conflict. Congo's forces are being supported in Bukavu by troops from Burundi and in Goma by troops from South Africa. Burundi's president, Evariste Ndayishimiye, suggested his country will not retaliate in the fighting. He said, "Those people who were ready to get profit of the armed attack of Rwanda to Burundi will not see this. " The conflict was a top priority at the African Union summit in Ethiopia on Saturday. U. N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned it risked spiraling into a regional conflagration. He said, "The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Congo must be respected. " Despite this, African leaders and the international community have been reluctant to take decisive action against M23 or Rwanda. Most continue to call for a ceasefire and a dialogue between Congo and the rebels. The Congo River Alliance, a coalition of rebel groups that includes M23, said it was committed to "defending the people of Bukavu. " Lawrence Kanyuka, the alliance’s spokesperson, said in a statement, "We call on the population to remain in control of their city and not give in to panic. " The fighting in Congo is connected to a decades-long ethnic conflict. M23 says it is defending ethnic Tutsis in Congo. Rwanda has claimed the Tutsis are being persecuted by Hutus and former militias responsible for the 1994 genocide of 800, 000 Tutsis and others in Rwanda. Many Hutus fled to Congo after the genocide and founded the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda militia group. Rwanda says the group is "fully integrated" into the Congolese military, which denies the charges.