At least 11 killed and 73 injured in rebel group explosions in Bukavu, DR Congo

At least 11 killed and 73 injured in rebel group explosions in Bukavu, DR Congo

Bukavu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, February 28: At least 11 people were killed and 73 others injured in two explosions during a rally of M23 rebel supporters in the city of Bukavu in eastern DR Congo. Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa stated that grenades were used in the explosions, which were of the same type previously used by the Burundian military. However, these claims could not be verified.

The first explosion caused panic, sending people fleeing the area. A second explosion followed, further heightening the fear. Local residents reported hearing gunfire alongside the explosions. Several individuals were seen running through the streets, bleeding and carrying lifeless bodies in videos.

Corneille Nangaa, leader of the M23 rebel group and their supporters, was present at the rally but confirmed that neither he nor other senior rebel leaders were injured in the attack. The M23 rebels had taken control of Bukavu nearly two weeks prior.

The DR Congo presidency has blamed neighboring Rwanda for the attack, accusing a "foreign army" of being illegally present on Congolese soil. United Nations experts have said that M23 rebels are backed by Rwanda.

M23 has seized multiple cities in eastern DR Congo, killing approximately 7,000 people. There have also been reports of sexual abuse of children and the recruitment of minors as soldiers. The rebel advance has raised concerns about a regional war involving DR Congo's neighbors.

M23 fighters are attempting to restore order in the areas they control and have reopened ports and schools. However, the ongoing conflict has deepened instability in DR Congo, rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda's 1994 genocide.