M23 Rebels Threaten Advance on Bukavu Amid Rising Tensions

The Rwandan-backed M23 armed group has warned of a possible advance on Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, citing a worsening security situation. And according to Reuters, this comes as the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government refuses to engage in direct talks with the rebels. Capturing Bukavu would mark a significant expansion of M23’s control, further weakening Kinshasa’s authority in eastern Congo following the fall of Goma in late January.