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The rebels, who captured Goma last month, are advancing south toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. If they succeed, it would mark a major territorial gain and further weaken Kinshasa’s control in the east.
As reported by www.trendsnafrica.com, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Kavumu airport. This is not only a strategic hub serving Bukavu, the second-largest city in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, but also a morale booster for the M23 to escalate the tension. Though international agencies like the UN, the African Union, and the US had issued appeals and strong warnings to M23 for a ceasefire, things seem unsettled.
The rebels, who captured Goma last month, are advancing south toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. If they succeed, it would mark a major territorial gain and further weaken Kinshasa’s control in the east.
Kavumu airport, mainly used for military and NGO flights, was closed as Congolese forces withdrew equipment. Rebels also seized Katana, 11 km from the airport, and Kabamba the day before. Videos from residents show armed men in military fatigues moving through these towns.
As fighting intensifies, President Felix Tshisekedi is seeking international support, attending the Munich Security Conference before heading to the African Union summit in Addis Ababa. The U.N. warns of a worsening humanitarian crisis, with 350,000 people displaced.
Read Also:
https://trendsnafrica.com/second-airport-in-eastern-dr-congo-falls-to-rebel-forces/
Meanwhile, heightened security is visible in Kinshasa following protests over foreign interference. Demonstrators have attacked U.N. offices and embassies, including those of Rwanda, France, the U.S., and Kenya.
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