Violence spreads in eastern Congo as rebels gain more territory

Rebels from the March 23 Movement (M23), reportedly backed by the Rwandan army, have seized control of the town of Ikhusi in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), just 11 kilometres from Bukavu’s international airport in South Kivu province.

“They [the rebels] are now in the town of Ikhusi,” confirmed Vital Kamerhe, speaker of the DRC's lower house of parliament, Caliber.Az reports referring to French media.

This latest advance follows the capture of Nyabibwe, another South Kivu town, after intense clashes, despite a ceasefire declared by M23 on February 4.

Bukavu International Airport, located near Kavumu, serves as the region’s key logistical hub, facilitating humanitarian aid and cargo shipments. UN peacekeeping forces are stationed there, highlighting its strategic importance. The airport lies just 25 km from Bukavu, a city now bracing for further rebel advances.

The humanitarian toll of M23’s offensive continues to mount. According to the United Nations, at least 2,900 people have been killed in recent attacks, with 2,000 bodies already buried and another 900 still in city morgues.

On February 3, an assault by M23 fighters on Munzenze prison led to the escape of hundreds of inmates. UN sources reported that during the chaos, between 165 and 167 women were subjected to sexual violence by male prisoners.

Despite declaring a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons, M23 launched a new offensive on February 5, capturing the mining town of Nyabibwe, located about 100 km (60 miles) from Bukavu. The rebels are now believed to be pushing toward the provincial capital, escalating tensions in the region.

In response, Congolese authorities have mobilized civilian volunteers to defend Bukavu, as fears grow that the city could be the next target in the ongoing conflict.

By Tamilla Hasanova