M23 Rebels Seize Bukavu, Escalating Congo Conflict

February 18, 2025 13

Residents of Bukavu, eastern Congo’s second-largest city, are assessing the damage after widespread looting followed the arrival of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels according to Reuters. The rebel group, which took control of the city on Sunday, has pledged to restore order. Their capture of Bukavu and its strategic airport in Kavumu marks a major advance, further weakening Kinshasa’s authority and raising concerns of a broader regional war.

Written by: Leonard Witbeen

Armed Groups Bukavu conflict escalation Congo Conflict Congo Crisis Eastern Congo Great Lakes region Humanitarian Crisis Kavumu airport Kinshasa authority looting M23 Rebels Political Unrest rebel offensive rebel takeover Regional instability regional war Reuters reports Rwanda-backed rebels Security Concerns strategic city