Rebels from the M23 group, reportedly supported by the Rwandan military, have taken control of the town of Ihusi in eastern DRC, near Bukavu, according to media sources referencing Vital Kamerhe, Speaker of the DR Congo’s National Assembly.
Ihusi is situated just 11 kilometers from Kavumu Airport, which services Bukavu. The airport, approximately 25 kilometers from Bukavu, is a crucial logistics hub for the influx of humanitarian and other goods into South Kivu and is protected by the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the DRC.
Furthermore, ahead of key summits in Tanzania and Ethiopia focused on resolving the crisis in the DRC, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged an end to the ongoing violence in the region. He emphasized the importance of respecting the DRC's sovereignty and territorial integrity, especially as rebel activity intensifies in the eastern part of the country.
In alignment with these international diplomatic efforts, DRC's President Felix Tshisekedi is set to join the summit of Eastern and Southern African leaders in Dar es Salaam on Friday to discuss the ongoing conflict.
The UN's top human rights official warned on Friday that the risk of violence in eastern DRC spilling over into neighboring regions has "never been higher," suggesting that the situation could deteriorate further.
On the same day, the UN Human Rights Council is set to decide on initiating an international investigation into the alleged human rights violations and abuses occurring amidst the deadly clashes in eastern DRC.
Additionally, DRC Communications Minister Patrick Muyaya reported on Thursday that over 3,000 people have been killed and another 3,000 injured in eastern DRC due to an attack by Rwandan forces in January, with actual casualty figures potentially being even higher.