There are Reported Injuries as Chaos Breaks out during a Rebel Rally in Eastern Congo

In the eastern city of Bukavu, a big gathering led by rebel leader Corneille Nangaa turned chaotic on Thursday, sending masses running in fear due to gunfire and explosions. People were running through the streets, some of them bleeding and dragging lifeless bodies, and residents reported witnessing several casualties.

Although the precise number of casualties is yet unknown, video footage taken at the scene showed the aftermath of the violence. Nangaa blamed Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi for ordering the attack in a phone interview with Reuters, but he offered no proof. The government has yet to state the incident.

Other prominent members of the M23 rebel group, which has been fighting the Congolese army and taking territory in the east since early 2024, were also said to be unhurt, while Nangaa himself was unscathed.

Before the violence started, Nangaa had told thousands of people that M23 was in Bukavu to bring security back. “There will be special units and patrols that will take place in all the communes,” he said. Since taking over the city on February 16, M23 has made an effort to establish its dominance by reopening ports and schools.

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