M23 Condemns Attack in Bukavu, Blames President Tshisekedi

By The Inspirer.

The M23 rebel group has condemned an attack in Bukavu, accusing Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi’s government of targeting its leaders.

Bertrand Bisimwa, M23’s leader and vice president of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), criticized the Congolese authorities after explosions disrupted a high-level AFC/M23 meeting led by Corneille Nangaa.

The incident occurred on Thursday, February 27, 2024, at Place du 24 in Bukavu. According to M23, three explosions forced participants to flee, leaving casualties among both civilians and suspected attackers. The group stated that two perpetrators had been captured while others remained at large.

In a statement, M23 vowed that the attack “would not go unanswered.” Bisimwa also claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that initial investigations showed the explosives used were similar to those possessed by the Burundian military, which has been engaged in combat against M23 in eastern Congo.

He further alleged that threats had been circulated ahead of the meeting, warning of an assassination attempt against Nangaa.

“The moment the meeting ended, explosives were detonated, killing innocent civilians,” Bisimwa said. “We strongly condemn this regime’s escalating brutality.”

The Congolese government has yet to comment on the incident.