Deadly Attack on M23 Rally in Bukavu: DR Congo Accuses Rwanda of Backing Rebels

At least 11 people have been killed and 65 others injured in a twin blast that struck an M23 rally in Bukavu, a city recently captured by the rebel group in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The attack has further escalated tensions in the region, where ongoing conflict between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels continues to destabilize the eastern part of the country.

 The DRC government has repeatedly accused neighboring Rwanda of backing M23, and providing financial, logistical, and military support. Reports indicate that up to 4,000 Rwandan troops may be present within DR Congo’s borders, further fueling tensions between the two nations. Rwanda, however, has denied these allegations, maintaining that it has no direct involvement in the conflict. The twin blasts occurred during an M23-organized rally in Bukavu, a city that the rebels recently captured. While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the nature of the blasts suggests a coordinated attempt to target the gathering. Authorities fear the death toll may rise as several injured individuals remain in critical condition. The ongoing violence in DR Congo has had significant humanitarian and geopolitical consequences. The conflict has displaced thousands of civilians, worsening the already dire refugee crisis in the region. The Congolese government has called for international intervention, urging the United Nations and African Union to take action against what it describes as Rwandan aggression. As the situation unfolds, concerns over further escalation remain high. The attack in Bukavu has highlighted the fragile security situation in eastern DR Congo and the growing complexity of the M23 rebellion. With accusations flying between DRC and Rwanda, the risk of a larger regional conflict continues to loom.