Rebels from the March 23 Movement, supported by Rwanda, have managed to enter the city of Bukavu, the second-largest city in the Democratic Republic of Congo, making rapid advances and taking control of large areas with little resistance.

The governor of South Kivu confirmed that Congolese forces withdrew to avoid urban combat.

This advance represents a significant expansion of the March 23 Movement’s control since the onset of the rebellion in 2022. For its part, the Congolese government acknowledged the entry of the rebels, along with Rwandan forces, but did not confirm their complete control over the city.