A rally held by Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the M23 rebel group, in the eastern Congolese city of Bukavu was disrupted by gunfire on Thursday, causing crowds to flee.
The incident occurred during Nangaa’s first public appearance in Bukavu since his forces seized control of the city nearly two weeks ago.
Details about the shooting, including the identity of the perpetrators and potential casualties, are still unclear.
The M23 rebel group has been battling the Congolese army and has seized significant territory in eastern Congo since the beginning of the year.
The conflict in eastern Congo is rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the struggle for control of Congo’s vast mineral resources. Neighboring Rwanda has been accused of backing the M23 group, a claim Rwanda denies.
The situation has sparked fears of a regional war that could draw in Congo’s neighbors.
