Security and humanitarian sources say Rwandan-backed rebels seized a second airport in eastern Congo on Friday.
The M23 rebels and Rwandan forces took what was considered the last military obstacle in the area of Kabum, home to the airport that serves Bukabu’s southern Kibhu capital.
The M23 group is most prominent of over 100 armed groups fighting for congoletic mineral-rich East control.
What was the reaction of Congo?
In response to the latest escalation in the conflict, Congolese President Felix Tsisekedi argued that Rwanda has “expandist ambitions” in the eastern part of Congo.
Tshisekedi sought Kigali to be subject to international sanctions at the Munich security conference, saying, “What is necessary is to blacklist the real perpetrators of this situation: Rwanda.”
What did the M23 say?
M23 spokesman Lawrence Cannuca said at X the rebels will take over Kavum Airport and its surrounding area to “eliminate the threat of source.”
“The airport poses a risk to civilians,” he added. The group reportedly had little resistance from the townspeople.
The African Union Summit aims to resolve conflicts
The head of state was scheduled to meet on Friday for consultations on the crisis in Ethiopia’s capital Addis Ababa. The annual African Union Summit will be held over the weekend.
Tshisekedi will not attend the summit as he aims to focus his efforts on stopping further progress in the M23 rebels, his spokesman Tina Salama said.
Prime Minister Judith Sminwa Turka will represent Congo in the event instead.
The sent AU Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat told reporters that the fight should be stopped completely after a temporary lull was not maintained early in the week.
“The ceasefire must be observed,” he said. “The military campaign is not going to solve these issues. There is a general mobilization in Africa today regarding this issue.”
In Goma, which M23 seized in late January, they have already begun setting up their own government and establishing their own police.
Edited by: Wessle Dockery
