Surge in Vigilante Violence in Rebel-Held Bukavu, Eastern Congo

In Bukavu, eastern Congo, at least 11 people have been killed in recent mob attacks linked to escalating vigilante violence following the army’s withdrawal. M23 rebels are attempting to establish control, while local residents express frustration over the inaction of the police. The unrest is reminiscent of the historical conflicts tied to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and ongoing struggles for resource control.

Recent unrest in Bukavu, a city in the rebel-controlled eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, has resulted in the deaths of at least 11 individuals due to vigilante violence. This surge in mob attacks comes as the local police force remains inactive following the army’s withdrawal from the area. Witnesses and a civil society activist noted that residents have increasingly resorted to taking justice into their own hands due to an absence of law enforcement.

The M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, are seeking to establish order in Bukavu and other regions under their control. As part of their strategy, they have begun retraining Congolese police to operate under the M23 regime. However, residents express frustration over the lack of police intervention, as highlighted by human rights activist Amos Bisimwa, who stated that the city’s police must return to maintain public order and prevent mob justice.

The recent vigilante attacks reportedly stem from a sense of insecurity within the community, with vigilantes targeting individuals accused of crimes such as theft and armed robbery. The gruesome nature of these incidents has drawn crowds, with some victims’ bodies set ablaze and left in the streets. One resident, Moke Mwayuma, recounted the tragic case of her brother, who was burned alive on allegations of theft, which she vehemently denied.

The situation reflects a broader tension in the region, as M23’s advance into central Bukavu marks a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo. The roots of this turmoil can be traced back to the 1994 Rwandan genocide and the ongoing battles over Congo’s lucrative mineral resources. Meanwhile, Rwanda has denied accusations of supporting the M23 with military aid, asserting that it is only addressing threats posed by Hutu militias allied with the Congolese army.

The escalating violence in Bukavu underscores the critical need for restored law enforcement presence to curtail vigilante justice. As M23 aims to consolidate control and project authority in eastern Congo, the community’s frustration and fear drive desperate actions. The deep-rooted conflict, influenced by historical events and resource struggles, necessitates urgent international attention and resolution to restore peace and security in the region.

Original Source: www.usnews.com