M23 seizes Bukavu, calls on Congolese government for dialogue

By The Inspirer.

The AFC/M23 coalition, on Sunday, February 16, 2025, called on the government led by Félix Tshisekedi to engage in dialogue after announcing that they had taken control of the city of Bukavu, located in South Kivu province.

In a statement released by AFC/M23, the group claimed that they seized Bukavu to restore security and protect civilians. They also called on government forces and their allies to withdraw from the city, accusing them of killing civilians and committing acts of violence.

“AFC/M23 informs the international community that due to insecurity, the killing of civilians, and looting carried out by FARDC, the Burundian FNDB forces, FDLR, and their allies, we have decided to assist the people. Since Sunday morning, our forces have been working to restore security for the civilians and their property,” the statement read.

It continued, “We once again call for dialogue with the Kinshasa government to address the root causes of this crisis so that peace can return to our country.”

On the previous day, heavy gunfire and artillery were heard in Bukavu, near the border between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

M23 took control of Bukavu after capturing Kavumu Airport, as well as the areas of Kalehe and Katana.

The rebel group has stated that if the Kinshasa government refuses to engage in dialogue, they will continue fighting until they overthrow what they describe as a regime that kills civilians, particularly Congolese citizens who speak Kinyarwanda.