The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) remains in turmoil as the M23 rebel group consolidates control over vast areas of the country’s east. In Bukavu, newly captured by the rebels, hundreds of former Congolese police officers gathered on Saturday, clapping and chanting in support of their new commanders. Now under M23 authority, they prepared for retraining—a clear sign that the rebels intend to govern rather than retreat.
Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the AFC rebel alliance that includes M23, confirmed that 1,800 police officers had surrendered, with 500 more expected to follow. Addressing the assembled officers, Police Commander Jackson Kamba urged them to return in good shape after their training, emphasizing their role in “liberating the country.”
Strategic Advances and Widening Conflict
M23’s recent territorial gains have intensified fears of a wider war. The group, backed by an estimated 4,000 Rwandan soldiers, according to UN experts, now controls strategic cities, mineral-rich regions, and Lake Kivu. Their offensive has triggered a mass exodus, with over 50,000 civilians fleeing to neighboring countries, including Burundi and Uganda.
After securing Bukavu last Sunday, the rebels had already captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu, a few weeks earlier. Their latest offensive extended to Minembwe, where a Tutsi militia, allegedly allied with M23, seized the town and its airfield. The group is now advancing towards Uvira, near the Burundi border, a crucial exit route for retreating Congolese soldiers.
In Uvira, chaos reigns. Hundreds of troops and their families are fleeing, and local officials have reported prison escapes and violent robberies, including an attack on the town’s bishop.
International Response and UN Condemnation
The United Nations Security Council unanimously condemned M23’s advances, demanding an immediate withdrawal and an end to hostilities. The resolution also directly accused the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) of backing M23, urging Kigali to pull its troops from Congolese territory.
Meanwhile, global pressure on Rwanda is mounting. The European Union summoned Rwanda’s ambassador, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called for an immediate ceasefire, emphasizing that “there is no military solution to the conflict.”
Congolese Forces in Disarray
Despite international calls for de-escalation, the Congolese government remains firm in its stance, refusing to negotiate with M23, which it has designated a terrorist organization. However, Congolese forces have struggled to mount significant resistance. Reports indicate that many soldiers are retreating, while others have engaged in looting and extortion in areas they are abandoning.
In the North Kivu city of Masisi, clashes between M23 and pro-Kinshasa militia groups such as Wazalendo occur almost daily, adding to the growing humanitarian crisis.
What Lies Ahead?
The conflict in eastern Congo is at a critical juncture. While the M23 rebels solidify their control, international pressure on Rwanda is increasing. The East African defense chiefs, meeting in Nairobi, acknowledged the lack of a clear picture on the ground and stressed the need for direct engagement between all parties.
For now, the situation remains volatile, with thousands displaced, Congolese forces in disarray, and the rebels showing no sign of retreat. Whether diplomatic interventions will succeed in halting the conflict or if further escalation is inevitable remains to be seen.