The M23 rebel group has announced the capture of Kavumu, a strategically significant city in the South Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Prior to the M23’s entry into Kavumu, a large number of Congolese armed forces (FARDC) were seen fleeing towards Bukavu, approximately 25 kilometers away.
One local resident reported the chaotic retreat: “They have fled. M23 has entered Kavumu and is chasing them. The soldiers are running fast.”
Kavumu is a critical location in South Kivu, home to an airport previously utilized by FARDC for military operations against M23 positions. The airport was also a key operational base for the United Nations peacekeeping mission (MONUSCO) before its withdrawal in early 2024.
Lawrence Kanyuka, the M23 political spokesperson, confirmed the capture, stating that the seizure was necessary to neutralize the threat posed by FARDC’s operations.
“As we have repeatedly said, we are dismantling threats at their source. The Kavumu airport was being used to endanger civilians in areas under our control and our positions. From now on, Kavumu and its surroundings, including the airport, are under the control of AFC/M23,” Kanyuka declared.
The capture of Kavumu follows the M23’s takeover of Kabamba and Katana trading centers in Kabare territory during the night of February 13 to 14, 2025.
The recent advances by the rebel group have sparked fear within FARDC ranks, with concerns mounting over a potential M23 assault on Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu. Some government troops have already begun fleeing to neighboring provinces like Tanganyika, while others are being pursued by FARDC command to return to the battlefield.
The escalating conflict raises fresh concerns about security in eastern DRC, an area long plagued by violence and instability, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts to restore peace.
