By Frank Kamuntu
Despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by regional leaders in Dar es Salaam, the M23 rebel group has seized Kabamba, a crucial town along the route to Bukavu, intensifying fears of further destabilization in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The overnight capture of Kabamba marks a significant territorial gain for M23, bringing them just kilometers away from Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. The development has sent shockwaves across the region, with thousands of civilians fleeing toward safer areas like Brasserie.
Ceasefire Agreement Collapses Amid Renewed Fighting
The swift fall of Kabamba exposes the fragility of the ceasefire agreement, which was endorsed last week by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and East African Community (EAC) leaders. The truce was meant to de-escalate tensions and pave the way for diplomatic resolutions, yet M23’s continued offensives suggest a complete disregard for the accord.
Local officials warn that Bukavu could soon become the next battleground. “The M23 rebels are advancing toward Bukavu—that’s their end goal,” a local leader stated under anonymity, highlighting fears of an imminent assault on the city.
Meanwhile, heavy clashes have erupted in Katana, just 8 kilometers from Kavumu Airport—a key military and civilian airstrip north of Bukavu. If M23 seizes Kavumu, it would deal a major blow to Congolese government forces (FARDC) and significantly restrict air access to South Kivu.
Losing Kavumu would not only weaken the FARDC’s ability to reinforce troops but also complicate humanitarian efforts, as aid organizations rely on air transport to deliver supplies to displaced populations.
The ongoing violence has triggered another wave of displacement, with thousands of residents abandoning their homes in fear of advancing rebel forces. Many are fleeing toward Bukavu’s Brasserie district, where overcrowded makeshift shelters are running low on food, clean water, and medical supplies.
Humanitarian organizations are raising alarms over deteriorating conditions, warning that without immediate intervention, the crisis could spiral out of control.
The situation remains dire as the Congolese government struggles to contain the M23 advance. With the ceasefire effectively broken, international pressure is mounting on regional leaders to take decisive action.
As M23 tightens its grip on strategic locations, Bukavu faces the looming possibility of rebel occupation. The coming days will be critical in determining whether government forces can hold their ground or if South Kivu’s capital will be the next major city to fall into rebel hands.
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