Gunfire, explosions kill 11 at Congo rebel rally in Bukavu

Gunfire and explosions disrupted a rally held by M23 rebel leader Corneille Nangaa in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo, resulting in at least 11 deaths and dozens injured. Nangaa accused President Felix Tshisekedi of orchestrating the attack, while Tshisekedi attributed the violence to a foreign army operating in the region. This incident marks a significant escalation in the conflict, as M23 has rapidly advanced through eastern Congo, capturing major cities and worsening the humanitarian crisis. The rebels aim to establish security in the areas they control, but their actions have raised fears of a potential regional war involving neighboring countries. International bodies, including the African Union and the UN, have called for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of rebel forces. The ongoing unrest has displaced approximately 500,000 people and intensified calls for stability in the region.