M23 rebels announce control over Bukavu, call for dialogue with Kinshasa
M23 said its forces moved in to "assist the population" after the city was "abandoned by Kinshasa's coalition forces."
The M23 rebel group, under the banner of Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC/M23), has declared that its forces have taken control of Bukavu, citing anarchy, insecurity, massacres, and looting as justification for their advance.
In a statement released on February 16, 2025, AFC/M23 said its forces moved in to "assist the population" after the city was "abandoned by Kinshasa's coalition forces."
More To Read
"Since the morning of Sunday, February 16, 2025, our forces have been working to restore security for the people and their property, much to the satisfaction of the entire population," the statement read.
The rebel group reiterated its willingness to talk with the Congolese government, urging "direct and sincere dialogue with the Kinshasa regime to address the root causes of the conflict and establish lasting peace in our country."
AFC/M23 also invited political and social forces opposed to Kinshasa to join its constitutional struggle for a radical change in governance.
"We invite all political and social forces opposed to the illegitimate Kinshasa regime to join in our constitutional struggle to effect a radical change in the system of governance in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)," the communiqué stated.
Ceasefire
The group signalled its conditional openness to a ceasefire but placed the responsibility on the FARDC (Congolese army) and its allies to halt military operations.
"If the FARDC and their criminal allies abandon their unsuccessful military campaign, the conditions for a ceasefire will be met, paving the way for lasting peace, coexistence, and stability in the DRC," AFC/M23 stated.
Additionally, the rebels warned that they reserve the right to defend the population and the territories under their control from "any atrocities perpetrated by the Kinshasa regime and its allies."
This latest development raises fresh concerns about the escalating security crisis in Eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have been active in various offensives.
The Congolese government has long accused Rwanda of backing M23, a charge Kigali has repeatedly denied.
The takeover of Bukavu marks a significant shift in the conflict's trajectory, intensifying pressure on the Felix Tshisekedi-led government ahead of planned regional peace efforts.
The fall of Bukavu on Saturday is the most significant expansion of territory under M23 control since the latest rebellion began in 2021. Bukavu was in chaos throughout Saturday, with much looting as many residents panicked and fled.
With the fall of Bukavu, it now controls the capital of South and North Kivu, rich in minerals such as gold and coltan, essential to the technology industry and the manufacture of cell phones.
On Jan. 27, the rebels took Goma – home to some two million people and the headquarters of international NGOs and United Nations agencies – after fighting with the Congolese army.
Top Stories Today
