Bernard Maheshe Byamungu, a key figure of the M23 rebel group, recently addressed a crowd in front of the South Kivu governor’s office in Bukavu, which is now under M23 control. Byamungu, who faces sanctions from the U.N. Security Council for human rights violations, told residents that they had been living in a “jungle” and vowed to restore order, stating, “We are going to clean up the disorder left over from the old regime.” His remarks were met with approval from some in the crowd, who urged the rebels to march toward Congo’s capital, Kinshasa, almost 1,000 miles away.
For the first time, Congo’s communications ministry acknowledged the occupation of Bukavu, stressing that the national government was working to restore order and territorial integrity in the region.
Blaise Byamungu, a local resident, criticized the government for abandoning Bukavu, leaving it vulnerable to the rebels. He questioned whether the government was waiting for further towns to fall before responding, accusing them of cowardice.
The M23’s actions have raised concerns of a broader regional conflict. While the group previously captured Goma in 2012 and retreated due to international pressure, analysts suggest that this time, the M23 is seeking political power. The group claims it is defending ethnic Tutsis in Congo, who, according to Rwanda, are being persecuted by Hutus and militia groups tied to the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
Interestingly, the new face of M23, Corneille Nangaa, is not Tutsi, providing the group with a “more diverse, Congolese face,” which shifts perceptions of the group that has historically been seen as Rwanda-backed.
Congo’s President, Felix Tshisekedi, warned that the conflict could spread regionally. While Congolese forces are being supported by South African and Burundian troops in different regions, Burundi’s president has suggested that his country would not engage in retaliation.
The conflict has been a focal point at the African Union summit in Ethiopia, with U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warning of the risk of the conflict escalating into a regional war. Despite the growing concerns, international and African leaders have remained hesitant to take decisive action against M23 or Rwanda, with most calling for a ceasefire and dialogue between Congo and the rebels.
