Deadly explosions and gunfire hit a rebel rally in eastern DR Congo, causing panic and leaving many dead and injured. According to BBC, the attack happened in Bukavu, a city recently captured by Rwanda-backed rebels.
Videos from the scene showed people running in fear, with bodies lying on the streets. BBC reported that at least 11 people were killed and 60 others wounded, based on hospital sources.
The rally was the first public gathering by the rebels since they took over Bukavu from government forces earlier this month. Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa spoke to the crowd, promising security and peace.
However, after he and another key leader, Bertrand Bisimwa, had already left, the attack happened in the city’s main square. BBC quoted Nangaa calling the incident a “cowardly and barbaric act,” adding that suspects had been arrested and more were being hunted.
The rebels blame President Felix Tshisekedi’s government for the attack, but Tshisekedi says a “foreign army” is responsible. BBC noted that the rebels, mainly from the M23 group, have been advancing rapidly since January, capturing cities like Goma and Bukavu.
This has forced about 500,000 people to flee their homes, making an already terrible humanitarian crisis even worse, according to the UN.
The African Union and UN have called for a ceasefire and for the rebels to leave the areas they have taken.
BBC pointed out that while Rwanda previously denied supporting M23, it now claims the fighting near its border is a security threat. UN experts estimate that 3,000 to 4,000 Rwandan troops are inside eastern DR Congo.
Credit: BBC
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8d4467y5dno