M23 Rebels Advance in Eastern Congo, Crisis Deepens

The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is intensifying as Rwanda-backed M23 rebels make significant territorial advances, including taking control of Bukavu and moving towards Butembo, raising fears of a wider humanitarian crisis. In Uvira, residents have been forced to flee amidst reports of violence and looting as government forces retreat. Anxiety is palpable in Kinshasa, where residents express fears of a coup and some officials are arranging to evacuate their families. Human rights violations are rampant, with the UN confirming cases of summary executions of children by M23 fighters, further complicating the already dire humanitarian situation. The international community, including the UK government, has condemned Rwanda's support for the rebels, calling for a withdrawal to mitigate the escalating crisis. The situation remains volatile, with hundreds of thousands displaced and basic services critically lacking in makeshift camps.