The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government announced on Sunday that Rwandan troops and their allies have entered Bukavu, a major city in the country’s eastern South Kivu province.
Authorities issued a strong call for residents to remain vigilant as the situation continues to unfold, warning of potential dangers from the incursion.
“The government is monitoring, hour by hour, the situation in Bukavu, marked by the entry of the Rwandan army and its auxiliaries this morning,” the Congolese Ministry of Communication stated on X.
The M23 rebel group, long accused of receiving support from Rwanda, claimed on Friday to have seized Kavumu airport, located just 25 kilometers (15 miles) from Bukavu.
Following the capture of the strategic airport, M23 fighters reportedly moved further into the provincial capital, escalating fears of wider territorial occupation.
Congo’s government condemned what it described as Rwanda’s persistent aggression and called on international actors to intervene and enforce a ceasefire.
“Rwanda is stubborn in its plan to occupy, loot, and commit crimes and serious human rights violations on our soil,” the government said.
Authorities assured citizens they are taking all necessary measures to restore order, safeguard security, and defend the country’s territorial integrity.
Residents of Bukavu, Goma, and other conflict-ridden regions in North and South Kivu were urged to stay indoors and avoid becoming targets of the advancing forces.
Since January 26, more than 3,000 people have been killed, 2,880 injured, and over 500,000 displaced, adding to the 6.4 million already internally displaced, according to the UN.
At least 20 UN peacekeepers, including 14 from South Africa, have died in clashes between M23 rebels and Congolese forces.
Kinshasa has long accused Kigali of backing M23 and sending troops into eastern Congo, an allegation Rwanda has repeatedly denied.
