M23 rebels tightened control over Bukavu on Monday after capturing eastern Congo’s second-largest city, marking a critical escalation in a decades-long battle for control of mineral-rich territories. The Rwanda-backed group now governs 1.3 million residents in Bukavu and Goma, intensifying fears of prolonged instability across Africa’s Great Lakes region.
Electric scenes of looting and mass displacement marked Sunday’s takeover as Congolese forces retreated. By Monday morning, rebels patrolled key intersections while wary civilians assessed risks. “People are scared, but we must learn to survive under new rulers,” said Bukavu resident David Munyaga. The city’s Rwandan border closure and sparse commercial activity underscored enduring tensions.
“Tshisekedi is not able to ensure peace, let him leave power.”
— Fiston Nsabimana, protester in Goma
This conflict’s stakes extend globally:
- Trillions in untapped cobalt, copper, and coltan reserves
- 4,000 Rwandan troops allegedly supporting M23 per UN reports
- Over 6 million displaced civilians – the world’s largest crisis
Protests erupted in Goma as citizens demanded removals of MONUSCO peacekeepers and SADC forces. Analysts warn Bukavu’s capture risks inflaming regional divisions as France urges ceasefire compliance.
President Emmanuel Macron’s weekend appeal for Congolese authority restoration faces mounting challenges as rebel-aligned governance takes root. With rebel territorial gains outpacing diplomatic solutions, international observers fear Congo’s crisis could destabilize global tech supply chains dependent on conflict minerals.
