M23 Reports Attack in Bukavu Resulting in 11 Deaths and 16 Injuries

An attack by the M23 rebel group in Bukavu has resulted in 11 fatalities, with reports of grenade usage resembling those of the Burundian military. The Burundian military denied involvement, while the M23 accused the Congolese government of complicity. Eyewitness accounts describe chaos during the assault, and the casualty toll may increase as more information surfaces.

The M23 rebel group has reported that an attack in Bukavu resulted in the deaths of 11 individuals, allegedly involving grenades similar to those used by the Burundian military. The attack occurred during a public gathering intended for the leader of the AFC/M23 group. Reports indicate that at least 16 people were injured during the assault.

M23 claims that the grenades utilized in this attack were comparable to military-grade explosives, typically associated with Burundian forces. In response, Gaspard Baratuza, spokesperson for the Burundian military, denied any involvement, characterizing the incident as a terrorist act and noting the lack of Burundian troops in Bukavu at the time.

Corneille Nangaa, during a press conference in Bukavu, confirmed the initial count of 11 fatalities, including one woman, while noting that about six individuals sustained severe injuries. The injured are presently receiving treatment at local hospitals. M23 has accused the Tshisekedi government of orchestrating the attack, while the government denies these allegations, asserting that foreign troops are responsible for the violence.

Eyewitness accounts indicate a chaotic scene, with thousands gathered for the M23 meeting when the explosions occurred. Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions and seeing bodies and injured individuals scattered throughout the area. The death toll may rise as further information emerges, and the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.

Bertrand Bisimwa, Nangaa’s deputy, labeled the episode as “the murder committed by the Tshisekedi administration”. He asserted that plans were in place for specific attacks on attendees of the M23 meeting, as suggested by recent social media discussions. President Félix Tshisekedi expressed condolences to the victims’ families and condemned the attack, branding it a terrorist act committed by unauthorized foreign troops on Congolese soil.

The Kinshasa administration has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting the M23 group, allegations that Rwandan officials have consistently denied. The explosions are reported to have occurred shortly after Nangaa’s speech, which outlined future plans for the M23 group’s objectives in the region. Disturbing images of the aftermath quickly circulated on social media, showcasing the grim reality at the gathering site.

In previous remarks, Nangaa suggested that if local banks did not reopen soon, the group would take measures that included granting permissions to other banks to operate. He also indicated that new provincial authorities in the Eastern Kivu region would be announced shortly, hinting at forthcoming governance changes.

The recent attack by the M23 rebel faction in Bukavu raises serious concerns regarding security and governance in the region. With 11 confirmed deaths and numerous injuries, this incident highlights the ongoing tensions between rebel groups and the Congolese government. The portrayal of foreign involvement adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught situation in DR Congo.

Original Source: www.bbc.com