Rebel forces have taken control of the center of Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC) rebel coalition, which includes the M23 armed group, claimed to have captured the Kavumu airport in South Kivu, forcing government forces to retreat.Eyewitnesses reported seeing rebels in the streets of Bukavu, with some instances of looting and fighters occupying strategic points in the city. The provincial governor’s office and residence, as well as the Saïo military camp, are among the areas reportedly under rebel control.

While the DRC government has not confirmed the takeover, a military spokesperson acknowledged that government forces had retreated from Bukavu after the rebels occupied the airport. The rapid advance into Bukavu comes less than three weeks after the rebels claimed the takeover of Goma, the largest city and capital of the neighboring North Kivu province.

The situation in the region remains tense, with the DRC and many Western countries accusing Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels. The rebels, who claim to defend the interests of minority Rwandophone communities, have been waging a renewed rebellion against the DRC government since 2022.

By Nii Odartey Lamptey