The Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group has declared its intention to “liberate all of the Congo” during its first public meeting since capturing the eastern city of Goma last week. The announcement came as the group’s fighters, supported by Rwandan troops, advanced toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, following a new offensive launched on Wednesday. The move marks a significant escalation in the conflict, raising fears of further destabilization in the already volatile region.
After seizing Goma, the main city in North Kivu province, the M23 rebels broke a unilateral ceasefire they had declared earlier, capturing the strategic mining town of Nyabibwe, approximately 100 kilometers (60 miles) from Bukavu. The group had previously claimed it had “no intention of taking control of Bukavu or other localities,” but its recent actions suggest a shift in strategy. Humanitarian and local sources reported on Thursday that Congolese forces were preparing for an assault on Kavumu, a town hosting the province’s airport and located about 30 kilometers from Bukavu.
The fall of Kavumu, the last major barrier before Bukavu, would represent a significant setback for the Congolese army and government. Reports indicate that equipment and troops are being evacuated from the area to prevent them from falling into the hands of the advancing M23 rebels and their Rwandan allies. The situation has heightened tensions in the region, with civilians bracing for further violence and displacement.
During the public meeting in Goma, Corneille Nangaa, the head of a political-military alliance that includes the M23, addressed tens of thousands of spectators. “We want to liberate all of the Congo,” Nangaa declared, signaling the group’s broader ambitions. He called for a minute of silence to honor the victims of the ongoing conflict before vowing to “drive out” Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi. Nangaa also outlined plans to establish a new national police force, administration, and justice system, suggesting the rebels’ intent to govern the territories they control.
The M23’s recent advances and bold declarations have raised alarm among regional and international observers. The group, which has been accused of widespread human rights abuses, is widely believed to receive support from Rwanda, although Kigali denies these allegations. The conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in eastern Congo, with thousands of civilians displaced and critical infrastructure at risk.
The Congolese government has yet to issue a detailed response to the M23’s latest moves, but the situation underscores the challenges faced by President Tshisekedi’s administration in maintaining control over the country’s restive eastern provinces. As the rebels continue their push toward Bukavu, the international community is being urged to intervene to prevent further escalation and protect vulnerable populations.
The unfolding crisis highlights the fragility of peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the urgent need for a coordinated regional and international response to address the root causes of the conflict and support efforts to restore stability.
