The M23 rebels moved into Bukavu last Friday, February 14. The Rwanda-backed mercenaries entered South Kivu’s capital after seizing Kavumu airport, 30 km from Bukavu, according to various media outlets–local and international. This advance contradicts the M23's earlier claims and violates a ceasefire request by regional heads of state the week before last.

When the rebels entered Bukavu, President Félix Tshisekedi was on a diplomatic tour in Munich, Germany, where he claimed that Joseph Kabila, his predecessor, instigated the current crisis. The Congolese leader said Kabila doesn’t “dare to own his actions.”

Despite the ongoing conflict’s humanitarian, social, political, and economic implications, the DRC prioritizes diplomacy. On the sidelines of the Munich summit, President Tshisekedi held talks with the Belgian Foreign Minister and an envoy from Donald Trump

Amidst the conflict, the DRC’s airspace has been closed to Rwanda and mining was paused in rebel-controlled areas.

Pierre Mukoko