UN Calls for Dialogue Amid Rising Tensions in Bukavu as M23 Rebels Advance

Bukavu, a city in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), is currently facing heightened tensions following the entry of M23 rebel forces into the area. The situation escalated on Saturday, prompting widespread panic among residents.

Reports indicate that many locals fled their homes as the rebel group made its presence felt in the city. The World Food Programme reported incidents of looting at its warehouses, and there were also reports of inmates escaping from the main prison in Bukavu.

In a bid to calm the situation, Pierre Bahizi, who has been declared the self-appointed governor of Bukavu by the M23 rebels, called for tranquility among the populace. He urged the citizens to refrain from exacerbating the turmoil, stating that power should not be allowed to spill into the streets.

The DRC government, along with various international observers, has long accused Rwanda of providing support to the M23 group, a claim that Rwanda has consistently denied. Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa reiterated the government's position on Saturday, demanding the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory. She emphasized the importance of national sovereignty and the need to protect the integrity of the DRC.

The ongoing conflict in the eastern regions of the DRC has emerged as a focal point during discussions at the African Union summit held in Ethiopia. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed the summit, warning that the violence in South Kivu, fueled by the M23's offensive, poses a significant risk of destabilizing the entire region.

Guterres stressed that there is no military resolution to the conflict and urged all parties to prioritize diplomatic solutions and dialogue. He reaffirmed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the DRC must be respected, underscoring the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.

As the situation in Bukavu continues to unfold, the international community remains watchful, with calls for restraint and dialogue becoming increasingly vital to prevent further escalation of violence in the region.