Rwanda-Backed Rebels Advance and Occupy Bukavu, Causing Widespread Panic
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have occupied Bukavu, Congo's second-largest city, amidst a humanitarian crisis leading to mass displacement.
Unlike in 2012, when the M23 briefly seized Goma and withdrew after international pressure, analysts have said the rebels this time are eyeing political power.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels breach second major city in Congo's mineral-rich east
FOX News·1M·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.
Unlike in 2012, when the M23 briefly seized Goma and withdrew after international pressure, analysts have said the rebels this time are eyeing political power.
Congo says Rwanda-backed rebels occupy a 2nd major city in its mineral-rich east
NPR·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Its fall represents an unprecedented expansion of territory for the M23 since their latest insurgency started in late 2021 - and is a blow to the government of President Félix Tshisekedi.
Bukavu in DR Congo falls to Rwandan-backed M23 rebels
BBC News·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
M23 rebel fighters have advanced into the centre of Bukavu, South Kivu’s capital, in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, sparking mixed scenes of panic and celebration.
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels reach centre of Bukavu in DR Congo
Al Jazeera·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
Their presence in central Bukavu is an unprecedented expansion of the rebels’ reach in their yearslong fighting with Congolese forces.
Rwanda-backed rebels take second major city in Congo, making unprecedented gains
NBC News·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Their presence in central Bukavu is an unprecedented expansion of the rebels' reach in their yearslong fighting with Congolese forces.
Rwanda-backed rebels reach the center of east Congo’s 2nd major city in an unprecedented expansion
ABC News·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.The rebels saw little resistance from government forces against the unprecedented expansion of their reach after years of fighting.
Rwanda-backed rebels reach the center of east Congo’s 2nd major city in an unprecedented expansion
Associated Press·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Unlike in 2012 when they only seized Goma in the fighting connected to ethnic tension, analysts have said the rebels this time are eyeing political power.
Rwanda-backed Rebels Reach the Center of East Congo's 2nd Major City in an Unprecedented Expansion
Newsmax·1M·Mixed ReliableThis source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.RightThis outlet favors right-wing views.
M23’s southward expansion encompasses more territory than rebels had previously seized and poses an unprecedented challenge to the central government in Kinshasa.
Rwanda-backed rebels advance and Congolese forces retreat from eastern Congo’s second largest city
Washington Times·1M·Mostly ReliableThis source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.Leans RightThis outlet slightly leans right.
The rapid advance into Bukavu comes less than three weeks after the rebels claimed the takeover of Goma, the largest city and capital of the neighboring North Kivu province on January 27.
Rebels in DR Congo advance on second major city as residents report looting
CNN·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.Leans LeftThis outlet slightly leans left.
The fall of Bukavu marks a major escalation in the conflict between Congo, M23 and its Rwandan backers, coming two weeks after the rebels seized the city of Goma on the north shore of Lake Kivu, leaving more than 3,000 people dead and a similar number wounded.
Rwanda-Backed Rebels Capture Second Major City in Eastern Congo
Bloomberg·1M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Summary
Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have intensified their offensive in eastern Congo, capturing Bukavu and its provincial administrative office. Witness reports indicate minimal resistance from government forces, many of whom fled. The conflict has already displaced over 6 million and resulted in at least 2,000 casualties in and around Goma. Tensions have escalated with the rebels also claiming to have seized Kavumu airport. International leaders at the African Union summit are calling for restraint, while fears mount over a potential regional conflict linked to historical ethnic tensions in the area. Local civilians are stockpiling supplies as chaos unfolds.
Perspectives
No center-leaning sources available for this story.
History
- 1M
- 1M
- 1M