Amid deadly fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the European Union is considering urgent measures as residents of Bukavu, the country’s second-largest city in the east, flee by the thousands to escape the advance of M23 Rwanda-backed rebels.
Panic spread through Bukavu as residents scrambled to escape the rebels’ looming advance, anticipating chaos and looting. The clashes between rebels and DRC government forces have resulted in nearly 3,000 deaths and displaced around 350,000 people.
Amid the unrest, President Felix Tshisekedi of DR Congo called for sanctions against Rwanda, accusing it of having “expansionist ambitions”. The M23 rebels, supported by troops from Rwanda, pose a significant challenge to the central government in Kinshasa.
The African Union Summit in Ethiopia is also addressing the crisis, with the European Union urgently considering all options in response to the rebel offensive. The European Parliament has urged the EU to suspend a minerals deal with Rwanda and freeze all direct budget support and military assistance to the country.
Humanitarian organizations have reported widespread violations of humanitarian law and horrific abuse of children in the region. Children are subjected to rape and recruited by rebel fighters and Congolese soldiers, adding to the urgency of the situation.
(Source: AP and other news agencies)
