Jump to content

2025 Bukavu offensive

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bukavu offensive
Part of the M23 campaign
Date5 February – 16 February 2025
(1 week and 4 days)
Location
South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Result

M23 victory[2]

Belligerents

Congo River Alliance

 Rwanda (Congolese claim)[1]
Commanders and leaders
Corneille Nangaa
Sultani Makenga[8]		 Democratic Republic of the Congo Felix Tshisekedi
Democratic Republic of the Congo Jean-Jacques Purusi (Governor of South Kivu Province)[9]
Units involved
M23 forces FARDC
Casualties and losses
"ARMADURA Z29 HELMET ARMOR Z29" by OSCAR CREATIVO

70+ killed
1,000+ displaced[10][11]

The 2025 Bukavu offensive was a military operation conducted by M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), centered around their advance toward Bukavu, the provincial capital of South Kivu. This military campaign began in February 2025, following the group's successful capture of Goma in the neighboring North Kivu province, and concluded with the M23 rebels’ successful capture of Bukavu just over a week later. [12][13][14]

Background

[edit]

The M23's expansion into South Kivu occurred in the aftermath of their capture of Goma, North Kivu's capital, in January 2025.[12] The deputy head of MONUSCO, Vivian van de Perre, said on January 28 that the Angolan-mediated peace process needed to be restarted to "avert the looming threat of a third Congo war."[15] The African Union Peace and Security Council held an emergency meeting on January 28, where it focused on the need to obtain a ceasefire.[16] The M23 announced a humanitarian ceasefire on February 3, 2025, citing concerns for aid delivery and displaced populations. However, both the Congolese government and United Nations sources reported continued military operations, with the government characterizing the ceasefire announcement as "false communication."[17]

The M23-led rebel alliance, through their spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, justified potential military action by citing the need to protect civilians from what they described as ongoing violence and pillaging in Bukavu. Their statement on social media platform Twitter/X warned of intervention if the reported attacks on civilians continued.[18]

Offensive

[edit]

On February 5, 2025, M23 forces captured the strategic mining town of Nyabibwe, positioned halfway between Goma and Bukavu. United Nations officials confirmed rebel forces had advanced to within 50 kilometres (31 miles) of Bukavu, while maintaining control over Goma's transportation infrastructure, including all exit routes and the city's airport.[17] Approximately 10,000 Burundian troops were deployed in South Kivu to support Congolese forces.[19] On February 9, refugees departing from a displacement camp west of Goma claimed that they were ordered to leave by a M23 colonel who had entered the camp.[12] Rebel forces temporarily halted their advance following the call for a ceasefire made by the leaders of the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) at the exceptional summit held in Tanzania on February 8.[20]

The offensive resumed with an attack taking place at the dawn of February 11, when M23 forces struck near the village of Ihusi after advancing along the Bukavu-Goma road between the village and Muhongoza.[12][21] This location held strategic significance due to its proximity to critical infrastructure, positioned approximately 40 kilometres (25 miles) from the Kavumu Airport and 70 kilometres (43 miles) from Bukavu. The assault marked the end of a brief two-day pause in military operations.[12] At the time, the Congolese military was reportedly utilizing the airport as a primary logistics hub.[19] Local observers reported significant artillery exchanges along the frontline, with heavy weapons fire heard throughout the area.[19] UN observers reported Rwandan troop movements into South Kivu.[18]

Several reports of misconduct were reported the Congolese armed forces amid the offensive.[18] A military tribunal in Bukavu commenced proceedings against 84 defendants, including both military personnel and civilians, accused of multiple serious offenses. The charges stemmed from incidents that occurred when the accused allegedly abandoned their positions during combat operations in Karehe territory, with evidence of crimes occurring in Kabare, Katana, Murhesa, Mululu, Mudaka, Miti, and Bukavu. In Kavumu, several soldiers reportedly entered a bar-restaurant, conducted armed robbery, and fatally shot seven civilians. The defendants were also charged with causing public disorder and unauthorized weapons discharges.[21]

On February 13, M23 forces captured Kalehe Centre— the primary commercial center of Kalehe Territory— and Ihusi. Several civilian casualties were reported, with many residents fleeing en masse to several directions, including to Idjwi and other islands in Lake Kivu.[22]

On February 14, M23 forces surrounded and claimed control of Kavumu Airport, located approximately 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Bukavu. Local witnesses reported observing government forces retreating from the area during the confrontation. M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka justified the airport's seizure as a necessary measure to "eliminate the threat at the source," claiming the facility posed a danger to civilian populations.[23]

Shortly following this, M23 rebels initiated their advance into Bukavu through the city's Bagira and Kazingu zones, progressing toward the city center.[24] Local residents documented the rebels' movement, with video footage showing their march toward the Bagira area. The advancement was accompanied by reports of gunfire in various parts of the city, according to Jean Samy, vice-president of the civil society in South Kivu.[23]

By February 15, widespread looting engulfed Bukavu as mobs of youth ransacked businesses, government offices, and shops, while many residents sought refuge indoors. Some struggled to escape M23 rebels, while women feared venturing outside due to the risk of sexual violence.[25] The World Food Programme's Bukavu depot, storing 6,800 metric tons of humanitarian food supply, was looted. The civil disorder combined with reports of gunfire throughout the city and lack of security forces led to many civilians sheltering in place to avoid danger, resulting in many streets being emptied.[26] Several injuries were reported as a result of the riots, with local residents claiming that Congolese troops were taking part in looting and arson of the city. Seventy tied-up bodies were reported in a church located in Mayba, a northern suburb of Bukavu.[25] Media shared online reportedly showed young teenagers using firearms to pillage areas and extort civilians.[27] It was later reported that M23 executed a significant number of children during the occupation, though the precise number of casualties remained unverified.[28][29][30]

On February 16, the DRC government reported that Bukavu had fallen to occupying M23 rebels, who set up positions at the regional governor's office.[31] While certain groups greeted them with cheers,[31] protests erupted across the city, particularly in the vicinity of the Governorate, as residents hesitantly left their homes in response to the occupation.[32] M23 troops encountered minimal resistance from the Congolese military, with reports of FARDC personnel evacuating alongside civilians. Addressing a gathered crowd outside the Governorate, M23 leader Bernard Maheshe Byamungu vowed to "clean up the disorder left over from the old regime" and accused the Congolese government of abandoning them to a jungle-like existence. Some members of the audience voiced support for M23, urging the group to advance toward Kinshasa.[33][31] Meanwhile, a significant civilian exodus from Bukavu took place, and by the following day, Burundian authorities reported the arrival of approximately 10,000 Congolese refugees.[34] Many crossed into Burundi through the Gatumba border post, while others traversed the Ruzizi River into Bubanza and Cibitoke provinces.[34]

Reactions

[edit]

Domestic

[edit]

Authorities in Bukavu began implementing emergency measures in anticipation of potential M23 advances on the city. Authorities initiated preventive actions, including the closure of educational institutions on February 7. The threat of an imminent attack also prompted widespread civilian responses, with residents evacuating the area and commercial establishments suspending operations, including banks and shops.[12]

Videos posted to social media appeared to show civilians of Kabamba and Katana cheering M23 soldiers as they spoke to crowds while in the process of advancing south.[35] After the capture of the city, the DRC government urged residents to "stay at home and not expose themselves to avoid being targeted by the occupying forces".[36]

International

[edit]

The United Nations and several Western nations maintained that Rwanda provided support and armament to the M23 rebels during the offensive. These allegations were consistently denied by Rwandan government officials.[18] Prime Minister of the DRC Judith Suminwa demanded the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from DRC territory.[37]

Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres urged against further escalation caused by conflict in South Kivu, warning that further conflict could "push the entire region over the precipice".[37]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "DR Congo's M23 rebels enter centre of strategic city Bukavu". Al Jazeera English.
  2. ^ "Second DR Congo city falls to Rwanda-backed rebels". BBC News.
  3. ^ "Rwanda-backed M23 rebels capture eastern DRC's second-largest city". The Guardian.
  4. ^ "Burundi troops withdraw in eastern Congo as M23 rebels expand reach, sources say". Reuters.
  5. ^ "Rwanda-backed M23 rebels seize second major city in Democratic Republic of the Congo". Sky News.
  6. ^ "Burundi's army is withdrawing from DR Congo, four sources say". Reuters.
  7. ^ "Burundi is withdrawing troops from DR Congo, reports say". The New Times.
  8. ^ "Sultani Makenga: The M23 leader whose career charts the turmoil in Rwanda and DR Congo". BBC News.
  9. ^ "DR Congo's M23 rebels enter centre of strategic city Bukavu". Al Jazeera English.
  10. ^ "DR Congo's M23 rebels enter centre of strategic city Bukavu". Al Jazeera English.
  11. ^ "Thousands arrive in Burundi within days, fleeing rising tension and violence in eastern DR Congo". ReliefWeb.
  12. ^ a b c d e f "M23 fighters resume attacks in DR Congo after two-day pause". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-02-11.
  13. ^ "Rwandan-backed rebels enter key city in eastern DR Congo". euronews. 2025-02-16. Retrieved 2025-02-19.
  14. ^ Peltier, Elian; Makangara, Justin (2025-02-16). "In Latest Advance, Rebels in Congo Say They Have Entered a Key City". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2025-02-19.
  15. ^ "DR Congo crisis: 'The violence must end now,' Security Council told". United Nations News. 28 January 2025. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
  16. ^ "Bodies in streets as battle escalates in DR Congo city". BBC News. 28 January 2025. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
  17. ^ a b "Rwanda-backed rebels have seized another town in eastern Congo". Associated Press. 2025-02-05. Retrieved 2025-02-11.
  18. ^ a b c d "M23 rebels threaten to advance on Bukavu as fighting flares". Reuters. 11 February 2025. Retrieved 11 February 2025.
  19. ^ a b c "Fresh Fighting Flares In Eastern DR Congo". Barrons. 11 February 2025. Retrieved 2025-02-11.
  20. ^ "EAC-SADC Summit calls for immediate ceasefire in eastern DRC". The Citizen. 2025-02-08. Retrieved 2025-02-16.
  21. ^ a b "DR Congo: M23 ivuga ko nibiba ngombwa 'izatabara' i Bukavu". BBC News Gahuza (in Kinyarwanda). BBC News. 2025-02-11. Retrieved 2025-02-11.
  22. ^ "Sosiyete civile irasaba ko imirwano itagera Bukavu mu buseruko bwa DR Congo". BBC News Gahuza (in Kinyarwanda). BBC News. 2025-02-13. Retrieved 2025-02-14.
  23. ^ a b "Rwanda-backed rebels advance into eastern Congo's 2nd major city of Bukavu, residents say". Associated Press. 2025-02-14. Retrieved 2025-02-14.
  24. ^ DR Congo conflict: M23 rebels enter second major city Bukavu, 14 February 2025
  25. ^ a b "Conflit en RD Congo: Les rebelles du M23 entrent dans la deuxième ville du pays, Bukavu". BBC News Afrique (in French). BBC News. 2025-02-15. Retrieved 2025-02-16.
  26. ^ "Bukavu: Looting reported as rebels advance on DR Congo city". BBC News. 2025-02-15. Retrieved 2025-02-16.
  27. ^ "RDC: Des ados en armes et des actes de pillage à Bukavu après l'avancée du M23/AFC" [DRC: Armed teenagers and acts of looting in Bukavu after the advance of the M23/AFC]. Actualite.cd (in French). 15 February 2025. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  28. ^ "RD Congo: l'ONU accuse le M23 d'avoir exécuté des enfants à Bukavu" [DR Congo: UN accuses M23 of executing children in Bukavu]. France 24 (in French). 18 February 2025. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  29. ^ "RDC: l'ONU accuse le M23 d'avoir exécuté des enfants après la prise de la ville de Bukavu" [DRC: UN accuses M23 of executing children after taking Bukavu town]. Libération (in French). 18 February 2025. Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  30. ^ Lanche, Jérémie (18 February 2025). "Est de la RDC: l'ONU accuse le M23 d'avoir exécuté des enfants à Bukavu" [Eastern DRC: UN accuses M23 of executing children in Bukavu]. Radio France Internationale (in French). Retrieved 18 February 2025.
  31. ^ a b c "Bukavu in DR Congo falls to Rwandan-backed M23 rebels". BBC News. 16 February 2025. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  32. ^ "RDC: Des combattants du M23/AFC entrent à Bukavu, tirs sporadiques entendus, des habitants commencent à sortir par endroits" [DRC: M23/AFC fighters enter Bukavu, sporadic gunfire heard, residents begin to come out in places]. Actualite.cd (in French). 16 February 2025. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  33. ^ "Congo says Rwanda-backed rebels occupy a 2nd major city in its mineral-rich east". Associated Press. 16 February 2025. Retrieved 16 February 2025.
  34. ^ a b Lukombo, Samyr (17 February 2025). "Occupation de Bukavu par le M23/AFC: Le Burundi dit avoir accueilli environ 10 000 réfugiés congolais fuyant l'avancée des rebelles" [M23/AFC occupation of Bukavu: Burundi says it has taken in around 10,000 Congolese refugees fleeing rebel advance]. Actualite.cd (in French). Retrieved 17 February 2025.
  35. ^ "Crowd cheers M23 rebels advancing south in eastern DRC – video". The Guardian. 2025-02-14. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-02-14.
  36. ^ Mureithi, Carlos (17 February 2025). "Rwanda-backed M23 rebels capture eastern DRC's second-largest city". The Guardian. Associated Press.
  37. ^ a b "DR Congo: Guterres urges dialogue as M23 rebels enter Bukavu – DW – 02/16/2025". dw.com. Retrieved 2025-02-16.
Retrieved from "http://en.wiki.x.io/w/index.php?title=2025_Bukavu_offensive&oldid=1276476300"