Eastern Congo: Fall of Bukavu imminent, airport captured by rebels
Feb 14 2025
2 minutes
The situation in eastern Congo is deteriorating rapidly. The airport of Bukavu in Kavumu has fallen, the gates of the city are under pressure. The fall of Bukavu seems imminent.
The commercial centre of Kavumu has also been taken without resistance by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. Meanwhile, heavy fighting is reported at the airport and the Nyamunyunye military camp, which borders the airstrip. The airport is only 25 kilometres north of Bukavu. Government troops have reportedly been ordered to withdraw to the territory of Walungu and Uvira, south of Bukavu. Many residents are trying to flee across the border into neighbouring Burundi.
It seems a matter of hours. Fears of what will happen next are growing, especially given the reign of terror in Goma. There, murders, large-scale sexual violence and the violent evacuation and destruction of refugee camps are being reported. Human rights activists and journalists are in serious danger.
International pressure must be increased
Yesterday, the European Parliament overwhelmingly approved a resolution calling for sanctions against Rwanda. Belgian MEPs played a leading role in this, but without concrete action from the European Commission, the impact remains limited. While the EU condemns the violence, it continues to make agreements with Rwanda—a paradox that cannot be justified.
On February 24, European foreign ministers will decide on possible sanctions against Rwanda. 11.11.11 calls for this decision to be brought forward and for Belgium to use all its influence to stop the conflict.
Every day counts. Congo is bleeding, the world must not stand by and watch.
