• M23 rebels have seized control of Bukavu, the second-largest city in Eastern DRC, causing widespread panic and displacement.
• The Congolese army's retreat allowed M23 to capture the city with little resistance, following their takeover of Goma in January.
• International calls for Rwanda to cease military support for the rebels are growing amid fears of a large-scale regional war.
• The humanitarian situation worsens as looting occurs, with reports of significant food supplies stolen from aid organizations.

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels have made significant gains in the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) by entering Bukavu on February 16, as verified by local officials and witnesses. This follows the group's recent capture of Goma, the capital of neighboring North Kivu province. The fall of Bukavu, a key city with over a million inhabitants, further consolidates M23's control over crucial territories in the region, particularly around Lake Kivu. "We are there," M23 spokesperson Willy Ngoma confirmed to Reuters, signalling the group's intentions to restore order in Bukavu, where they received a mixed response from residents; cheers in some sectors and panic in others, as thousands fled towards Burundi for safety.

The situation in Bukavu escalated rapidly as the Congolese army (FARDC) withdrew, leaving behind weapons that have since been collected by civilians and criminals. Reports indicate that extensive looting occurred, including humanitarian supplies from the World Food Programme warehouses, consolidating fears of a humanitarian crisis amid ongoing violence. Residents such as Claude Bisimwa lamented the loss of life and property, asserting that the violence was not random, as perpetrators acted with intent, targeting individuals in their homes.

In the wake of these events, the DRC government has expressed that they are monitoring the situation "hour-by-hour," accusing Rwanda of orchestrating an "occupation" and alleging the presence of approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers in the region. Rwandan authorities vehemently deny these claims, focusing on their narrative of securing borders against armed groups they allege threaten their national interest.

The conflict has drawn growing international concern, with prominent figures like UN chief Antonio Guterres urging that the DRC's "territorial integrity" must be maintained to prevent further escalation. The African Union has been criticized for its lack of decisive action amidst rising tensions, with its Peace and Security Commissioner warning against a potential balkanization of the eastern DRC.

As the M23 solidifies its control, they have made a commitment to restore security for residents, urging the formation of local vigilance committees. However, the risk of regional warfare looms large, inciting alarm from both international bodies and local communities, as fears of a deteriorating humanitarian situation grow amid aspirations for stability. This dynamic reflects both the local struggle for power and the complex geopolitical influences at play in the region, potentially leading to broader implications for neighboring countries.

For more in-depth coverage, visit Al Jazeera, Le Monde, and Channel News Asia.