Civil society mobilizes citizens in Bukavu against M23 threat
3 min read
In Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), thousands of citizens gathered on Wednesday for a significant protest, organized by the local civil society group, Forces Vives. The march aimed to raise awareness about the growing threat posed by M23 rebels, who have been advancing into South Kivu from the border town of Minova.
The demonstration was a direct response to the escalating violence and instability brought by the M23 insurgency, which has caused widespread fear and concern among local communities. Maître Nene Bintu, the leader of Civil Society South Kivu, voiced strong criticisms of the Congolese government for its inability to effectively address the crisis. He condemned the government’s failure to protect its citizens, emphasizing the high toll of violence and displacement. He said, “Congolese are being killed like flies, with millions of internally displaced people and numerous humanitarian crises. The Kigali regime has clearly turned its back on the Luanda process, boycotting the December 15, 2024, meeting where only you attended.”
The protestors carried placards and chanted slogans, demanding justice and accountability from both the government and foreign entities involved in the region’s issues. Among the primary grievances was the illegal extraction of minerals, a long-standing problem in the area that has fueled conflict and exploitation.
South Kivu, rich in natural resources, has long been a target for illegal mining and exploitation by both local and international actors. Chinese firms, in particular, have been accused of contributing to the plundering of the region’s wealth. Fadhili Mubole, a local resident, voiced his frustration over the situation. He explained that illegal mining in the Mwenga territory by Chinese nationals has had devastating consequences for the community. “I abandoned everything to take to the streets,” Mubole said. “We are exhausted from witnessing the plundering of our resources, yet there are no roads or infrastructure being built. Every day, people in our community suffer from hunger, and we must speak out against this injustice.”
The protest in Bukavu is part of a larger wave of resistance against the combination of insecurity and resource exploitation that has plagued the eastern DRC for years. Local residents are demanding that the authorities take meaningful action to stop the illegal mining activities and hold those responsible accountable. The ongoing violence from groups like M23, which have been blamed for destabilizing the region, has compounded the difficulties faced by the local population, further aggravating the humanitarian crisis.
In addition to highlighting the problem of illegal mining, the protesters also raised concerns about the lack of development in the region despite its abundant resources. While the DRC is rich in minerals, such as cobalt and copper, these resources have not been used to improve the lives of the local population. Instead, they have been exploited by foreign corporations, leaving the people of South Kivu with little benefit from the wealth extracted from their land.
The march serves as a clear message to the Congolese government and international actors involved in the region. The people of South Kivu are calling for more than just promises of peace; they are demanding concrete solutions to the ongoing violence and the unlawful extraction of their resources. The protesters want to see a government that is willing to protect its citizens and invest in infrastructure that can help improve their lives, not just a government that is passive in the face of foreign exploitation.
As the situation in South Kivu continues to worsen, the pressure is mounting on the authorities to take action. The population is determined to stand against the forces that threaten their security and wellbeing, and they are calling on the government to live up to its responsibilities. In the midst of ongoing conflict, the march represents a call for peace, justice, and a future where the people of South Kivu can live without fear of violence or exploitation.
The spotlight is now on the authorities to deliver tangible solutions that will address the root causes of insecurity, violence, and resource plundering. The protest in Bukavu is not just about the M23 threat; it is a plea for a more just and equitable future for the people of South Kivu, who have suffered for far too long. The government’s response to this growing movement will be critical in determining whether peace and stability can be restored to the region.
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