Congolese Troops Regain Control of Bukavu City
Troops of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the pro-government Wazalendo militia have successfully retaken control of the city of Bukavu from M23 rebels. The Congolese president’s office confirmed this recent development, indicating that the city is now under the control of the Congolese army and the valiant Wazalendo forces.
Reports from the Actualite news website state that military units entered Bukavu late on February 15, with videos circulating on social media showing troops moving through the streets. While no major fighting is reported, there have been isolated sounds of gunfire along with reports of widespread looting of stores and warehouses.
The M23 rebels had seized control of Bukavu on Friday evening, prompting government troops to withdraw from their positions and militia units to flee, as reported by Okapi radio. With a population exceeding 1 million, Bukavu is a significant city in the region, with an additional 1 million people residing in camps for displaced persons and refugees in its outskirts. The capture of Goma by M23 rebels at the end of January heightened concerns about the security situation in the region.
The successful recapture of Bukavu represents a significant victory for the Congolese forces and their allies in the ongoing conflict against the rebel groups in the area. Efforts are expected to be intensified to restore peace and stability in the region, ensuring the safety and well-being of the local population.
