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Congo rebels say they have entered Bukavu after seizing airport

15 February 2025 01:53 (UTC +04:00)

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels entered eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's second-largest city Bukavu on Friday, a rebel leader told Reuters, as residents reported seeing the militants in the streets of a northern district, APA reports citing Reuters.

The rebels have been trying to push south towards Bukavu since they seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, at the end of last month.

The capture of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, would represent an unprecedented expansion of territory under the M23's control since the latest insurgency started in 2022, and deal a further blow to Kinshasa's authority in the east.

"I confirm that we entered Bukavu this evening, and tomorrow, we will continue with the operation to clean up the city," said Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23.