An explosion rocked an M23 rally in Bukavu, causing several casualties.
The incident comes as the city, under occupation by the rebels, is marked by growing insecurity.
A rally organised by the M23-AFC at the Independence Square in Bukavu turned into a tragedy on Thursday, February 27. According to witnesses, an explosive device thrown into the crowd caused several deaths and injuries.
The exact toll has not yet been confirmed.
The rally was led by members of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), including Corneille Nangaa and Bertrand Bisimwa.
After the explosion, the crowd quickly dispersed.
Since February 16, 2025, Bukavu has been under occupation by M23 rebels, backed by Rwanda, according to Kinshasa. This is denied by Kigali, claiming that it is an exclusively Congolese conflict.
Incidents related to insecurity have intensified in recent days, with armed bandits spreading terror by robbing and killing civilians at night.
Some neighbourhoods have witnessed mob justice, an illegal practice, in an attempt to defend themselves.
The explosion comes amid growing tensions, according to information reported by Radio Okapi.
AC/fss/as/APA