M23 rebels threaten to advance on Bukavu as fighting flares
12/2/2025 6:49
The Rwandan-backed M23 armed group in Democratic Republic of Congo threatened on Tuesday to advance on the provincial capital of Bukavu, citing a " dangerously deteriorating" situation, as Congo rejected a call for direct talks with the rebels.
The capture of Bukavu would represent an unprecedented expansion of territory under the M23's control and deal a further blow to Kinshasa's authority in eastern Congo in the wake of the fall of Goma, the region's largest city, at the end of January.
Further fighting in the South Kivu province would also add to fears of a broader war due to the presence of Burundian troops, backing up Congo, and reports of more Rwandan troops gathering at the border to support the M23.
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