The Congolese government and Rwanda-backed M23 rebels exchanged blame on Friday after a series of explosions at a rally in the rebel-held city of Bukavu killed 13 people and injured nearly 100.
Congo’s army accused Rwandan forces—who Kinshasa claims are backing M23—of launching rockets and grenades into a crowd gathered in Bukavu’s central square on Thursday. The attack occurred during a speech by one of the rebel leaders.
“The Rwandan army and its proxies bombed and fired live ammunition at civilians who, despite being forced to attend this meeting, voiced their rejection of Rwanda’s aggression,” Congo’s interior ministry said in a statement on X.
Rwanda did not immediately respond to requests for comment but has consistently denied supporting M23.
Corneille Nangaa, head of a rebel coalition that includes M23, placed responsibility on Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi, alleging that the grenades used were of the same type deployed by Burundi’s military, which is fighting alongside Congolese forces.
Burundi’s army spokesman denied the presence of Burundian troops in Bukavu but did not comment directly on the grenade allegations.
The violence threatens to escalate the war in eastern Congo, a region rich in minerals and already embroiled in conflict involving multiple neighboring states.
Conflicting Accounts of the Attack
Two witnesses told media that an assailant had attempted to target a convoy carrying rebel leaders but misfired, causing civilian casualties.
“The grenade exploded too soon,” one witness said, adding that the attacker was killed in the blast.
Congo’s Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya, however, suggested the incident was orchestrated by the rebels themselves.
“In such a highly secured environment, who else could risk detonating explosives or firing shots if not the organizers themselves?” he said.
Muyaya added that authorities would document the attack to ensure justice is served.
Mourning in Bukavu
At Bukavu’s general hospital, where 68 wounded were being treated, grieving relatives gathered outside the morgue, waiting to identify victims. The hospital said no bodies would be released on Friday. A psychologist urged families to leave their phone numbers to be contacted later.
Escalating Conflict and Sanctions Pressure
Attempts to halt M23’s advance—including ICC investigations, African-led peace efforts, and international sanctions—have failed. The rebels now control eastern Congo’s two largest cities, Goma and Bukavu.
Since January, government figures estimate 7,000 people have been killed, with nearly half a million displaced as 90 refugee camps have been destroyed.
The U.S. recently sanctioned a Rwandan minister accused of coordinating with M23, while Britain has threatened to cut bilateral aid unless Kigali withdraws its forces. Rwanda, however, insists its troops are in the region for self-defense.
“The sanctions have begun, but they are not enough. The proof? The Rwandan army is still there,” Muyaya said.
Ministers from regional African blocs were set to meet in Dar es Salaam on Friday to discuss a possible ceasefire and the potential deployment of troops to secure rebel-held areas, according to a document seen by media.
