Bukavu, DR Congo – A rally held by rebel leaders in the recently captured city of Bukavu turned deadly after gunfire and explosions erupted, causing chaos and panic among the crowd. Graphic footage from the scene shows bodies strewn across the streets as attendees fled for safety.
While casualty figures remain unclear, a hospital source cited by AFP reported at least 11 people killed and 60 others wounded in the attack.
The rally marked the first major public event held by the Rwanda-backed rebels since they seized Bukavu from government forces earlier this month following a rapid offensive in eastern DR Congo.
Blame and Counterclaims
The rebels have accused President Felix Tshisekedi’s government of orchestrating the attack, while Tshisekedi, in turn, blamed it on “a foreign army” operating in the region.
Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the rebel alliance that includes M23, had earlier addressed the crowd, promising enhanced security and stability. “There will be special units and patrols that will take place in all the communes,” Nangaa said, according to Reuters.
It is believed that both Nangaa and M23’s Bertrand Bisimwa had already left when the attack struck Bukavu’s main square.
In a statement, Nangaa confirmed that two suspects had been apprehended, with an ongoing search for more perpetrators. “This cowardly and barbaric act will not go without consequences,” he declared.
Escalating Conflict in Eastern DR Congo
Since January, the rebels have advanced through eastern DR Congo, seizing Bukavu and Goma, the largest city in the region. The conflict has displaced an estimated 500,000 people, deepening an already severe humanitarian crisis, according to the UN.
The African Union and the United Nations have both urged an immediate ceasefire and demanded the rebels withdraw from occupied territories.
Rwanda, previously denying any involvement with M23, has since shifted its stance, stating that fighting near its border poses a threat to its national security. UN experts estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan troops are currently present in eastern DR Congo.
Source : https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8d4467y5dno