The rebels had been advancing south since capturing Goma last month. This Saturday, the World Food Programme’s depot, which held 6 800 metric tons of food, was looted, worsening the situation for those in need. Sporadic gunfire, attributed to looters, was heard in the area.

While M23 claimed to have entered Bukavu, reports suggested they hadn’t yet reached the city center. Congolese soldiers were seen evacuating to avoid a massacre like the one that preceded Goma's fall, and soldiers set fire to a weapons depot. If Bukavu falls, it would be a significant expansion of M23's territory, further weakening DRC’s authority in the resource-rich region.

Tensions escalated when Uganda’s Defense Chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, threatened to attack the town of Bunia unless forces there surrendered their arms within 24 hours. Uganda has supported DRC’s army in combating Islamist militants but is also suspected of backing M23.

The United Nations has called for dialogue, but Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi refuses to negotiate directly with M23. Kigali denies supporting the rebels, and Rwanda's President Kagame rejected claims linking Rwanda to DRC’s issues. Meanwhile, the United States has warned of possible sanctions against officials from Rwanda and DRC, while the European Union considers measures to protect Congo.

--Reuters/ChannelAfrica