M23 and AFC rebel groups have captured Kavumu airport used by NGO and military flights, patrolled by Congolese troops.
The airport is located just 45 kilometers from the Kavumu city enlisting the area on new turmoil in the conflict in Dr. Congo.
Ghana’s Futball Surgery news outlet, through the AFP news agency and Reuters News agency, understand the rebel fighters have also advanced to Kavumu, and in doing so encountered least resistance due to Congolese military leaving the Kavumu airport and retreated to Bukavu.
Congo River Alliance leader Corneille Nangaa told Reuters News agency that rebel groups in eastern part of the country have entered Bukavu Friday evening and will continue their operations on Saturday.
The Reuters news agency reported that the rebel fighters also took control of Katana, a town approximately 11km (7 miles) from the airport.
Bukavu has become eerily quiet, with no traffic or people in the streets on Saturday.
The city’s three communes are now deserted, with only FARDC soldiers and young local volunteers, known as Wazalendo, seen in certain areas. Residents describe the situation as a takeover without major conflict, though sporadic gunfire can still be heard.
Political leaders have disappeared, and rumors are swirling that M23 and AFC forces have “liberated” the South Kivu region, raising concerns about further rebel advances.
The city is now in chaos, with reports of widespread looting, mass displacement, and growing fear as the local population waits anxiously for what comes next in the ongoing conflict.
The airport is used by NGO and military flights and has been checked by Dr. Congo troops. The military’s presence at the airport the Al Jazeera has reported is a last barrier for the rebels to reach the city of Bukavu- the capital of South Kivu province.
Rebel groups’ advancement to Bukavu, in a completed move, just come a day before the start of annual two-day African Union summit in Ethiopia.
The Congo conflict will be a major topic for discussion but Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi who was expected to be at the meeting will be represented by the country’s prime minister.
Tshisekedi has traveled for the Munich Security Conference in Germany, in efforts to receive more international support, according to a statement from the presidency on social media on Friday.
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