M23 Rally Turns Deadly: Twin Bombs Kill 11 in Congo’s Conflict Zone
Deadly bombings at an M23 gathering in eastern DR Congo spark blame between government forces and rebels, escalating tensions in the conflict-ridden region.
- Twin blasts struck an M23 rally in Bukavu, killing 11 and injuring 65
- Government accuses Rwanda, while M23 points at Congo’s forces
- Over 7,000 killed in eastern DR Congo this year alone
At least 11 people lost their lives, and 65 others were wounded after two powerful explosions struck an M23 rebel rally in Bukavu, eastern DR Congo, on Thursday.
The blasts erupted at Independence Square shortly after Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the Alliance Fleuve rebel alliance, had addressed the crowd.
Nangaa confirmed the casualties, revealing that six of the injured were in critical condition. He and other leaders, however, escaped unharmed.
Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi condemned the incident as a “heinous terrorist act,” pointing fingers at a “foreign army illegally present” in the country—a veiled accusation against Rwanda. In contrast, M23 blamed the government forces for the attack, expressing condolences to the affected community.
Tensions continue to escalate as M23 expands its control in eastern Congo, fueling the ongoing conflict between Kinshasa and Kigali. With over 7,000 deaths reported this year alone, the region remains on edge.
