Explosions Erupt Following Rally in Bukavu, Eastern DRC
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Synopsis
On February 27, multiple explosions were reported in Bukavu, eastern DRC, after a rally supporting the M23 rebel group. The blasts occurred shortly after a speech by political leader Corneille Nangaa, resulting in reported casualties. The UN has raised concerns about escalating violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Explosions occurred post-rally in Bukavu.
- Corneille Nangaa spoke before the blasts.
- Casualties reported, nature of explosions unclear.
- M23 rebels have captured key cities in eastern DRC.
- UN warns of worsening humanitarian crisis.
Kinshasa, Feb 27 (NationPress) A series of explosions occurred on Thursday at Independence Square in Bukavu, a city in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), shortly following a political gathering supporting the rebel March 23 Movement (M23), as reported by local media.
The explosions erupted just after the rally, where Corneille Nangaa, the political figure associated with the Congo River Alliance (AFC)—a politico-military group allied with the M23—addressed attendees, according to reports.
There have been reports of both fatalities and injuries, while the specific cause of the blasts remains unclear.
The M23 rebels have taken control of numerous cities, including Goma and Bukavu, the capitals of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in eastern DRC, as noted by Xinhua news agency.
Concerns were raised earlier on Wednesday by the UN, stating: 'The humanitarian crisis is worsening as violence escalates in three eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).'
The provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri have experienced a noticeable increase in conflict, as M23 rebels in the Kivus aim to seize control of Kinshasa. In Ituri, violence is often linked to disputes over land, resources, and ethnic conflicts. The eastern DRC is abundant in minerals.
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported on Wednesday a troubling increase in violence and instability in the city of Uvira, located approximately 100 km south of Bukavu’s provincial capital. These clashes endanger local communities and humanitarian personnel, with reports of looting and sexual violence.
Earlier on Tuesday, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) indicated that nearly one million individuals have been displaced since the start of 2025 in Goma, a city in eastern DRC overtaken by M23 rebels.
The WFP's report highlighted that the security conditions in the DRC have deteriorated sharply since M23 rebels took control of Goma and Bukavu, the capitals of North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
