- This morning, M23 entered #Bukavu and took control of key locations including the governor’s residence and Ruzizi 1 border crossing. Amidst broader confusion, M23 entry had been erroneously reported since Friday night owing to inconclusive videos circulating on social media.
- Evolutions around Bukavu, including the capture of Kavumu airport around Friday noon, have inspired more people to leave the area, many headed to Bujumbura. There, hundreds of Congolese who have entered legally are currently rounded up for unclear reasons.
- Since last week, the possibility of an M23 move into Bukavu had led to negotiations in which civil society and church representatives had lobbied the military to avoid any major urban fighting similar to Goma on 28 and 29 January.Feb 16, 2025 16:20
- Parallel to first reports of M23 nearing Bagira neighborhood, FARDC and government authorities retreated. The retreat and parallel non-entry of M23 created a vacuum during which several warehouses and premises were emptied of stocks by civilians and scattered wazalendo.
- On Saturday evening, the army shortly re-entered the city in view of displaying authority. However, with M23 entering the following morning, no further government troops had been seen in the city center in recent hours.
- In parallel, heavy gunfire was reported inside Uvira this morning and the situation along the RN5 stretch leading northwards towards Kamanyola and Bukavu remains tense. One of Bukavu’s most appreciated police commanders was killed by militia while retreating.
