M23 rebels have seized control of Kavumu Airport, located just 40 kilometers from Bukavu, as they continue their offensive in the volatile eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Kavumu Airport serves as the primary and only airport for South Kivu province, making its capture a significant strategic gain for the rebel group.
This latest development follows calls by East African Community (EAC) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) leaders for an immediate ceasefire. Regional leaders have urged DRC President Félix Tshisekedi to engage in dialogue with the opposing factions to de-escalate the conflict. Meanwhile, President Tshisekedi is reportedly seeking international support to address the crisis.
The M23 rebels have been advancing southward toward Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, since capturing Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, at the end of last month. Their progress has raised alarm among regional and international observers.
President Tshisekedi recently traveled to Germany to attend the Munich Security Conference, as confirmed by a statement from the presidency on social media. A presidential source told international press that he would proceed to Addis Ababa on Friday evening to participate in the African Union (AU) summit, where the escalating conflict is expected to be a key agenda item.
The United Nations refugee agency has expressed deep concern over the "rapidly deteriorating" situation, noting that the conflict has displaced approximately 350,000 people, leaving them without shelter or basic necessities.
On the ground, the rebels reportedly captured the town of Katana on Friday morning, according to an M23 source, a local resident, and a civil society leader. Katana, a commercial hub, lies just 11 kilometers (7 miles) from the strategic town of Kavumu, where the airport is located. A video shared by a resident showed armed M23 fighters in military fatigues moving through Katana.
"M23 soldiers are blocking the road and advancing toward Kavumu—they have already taken control of Katana," the resident reported.
The capture of Kavumu Airport and the continued rebel advance underscore the urgency of addressing the crisis, as the conflict threatens to further destabilize the region and exacerbate the humanitarian situation.
