M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, have advanced into Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern DR Congo, despite international calls for a ceasefire.
The group’s leader, Corneille Nangaa, confirmed their entry into the South Kivu provincial capital and signalled further advances.
The rebel offensive has displaced hundreds of thousands, following last month’s capture of Goma.
Fighting erupted on Bukavu’s outskirts as the Congolese army and allied militias withdrew, while reports emerged of 70 bodies found tied up in a church in North Kivu, allegedly killed by Islamic State-linked ADF rebels.
DR Congo’s President Félix Tshisekedi has called for sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of fuelling instability for resource exploitation, a charge Rwanda denies. The crisis unfolds as African Union leaders gather in Ethiopia, with urgent calls for a ceasefire.
#DRCongo Congolese are fighting and dying. The CIC is using their resources to enjoy his life with his wife as he lies that #M23_AFC are Rwandans.
His soldiers are killing civilians, and #M23 is advancing in rescuing and liberating Southlands of people in different places in… pic.twitter.com/RV9OY3KjdD
— GKB (@Ganza_Bertin) February 14, 2025
