The border town of Bunagana, located in the Jomba grouping in Rutshuru territory in the province of North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been under rebel control since June 13, 2022. Indeed, the strategic city located on the border with Uganda has been under occupation by the March 23 Movement (M23) for a year. Despite the presence of the regional EAC force, the rebels maintain their grip on the city.
Since the occupation of Bunagana by the M23, customs activities have been reduced and the provincial authorities prohibit the transit of goods through the customs post. Moreover, the cohabitation between the rebels and the regional force of the EAC worries the population, while the security situation is deteriorating in the region. Tensions and hotbeds of insecurity are reported in the territories of Rutshuru, Masisi and Nyiragongo, despite calls for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of M23 from the region.
The civilian populations are the first victims of this growing insecurity. According to Patrick Nguka, executive secretary of Badilika, a human rights organization, the M23 carries out kidnappings of civilians in fields and homes and organizes systematic looting of property, particularly in the regions of Bukoma, Jomba, Bweza and Kisigari. Several actors are calling for new military operations to liberate the region from the hands of the rebels. However, the presence of the EAC regional force also raises questions about their real ability to restore peace and security in the region.
In short, the town of Bunagana remains under the control of the M23 rebels despite calls for a ceasefire and the presence of the regional EAC force. The security situation is deteriorating in the region, with kidnappings and looting multiplying to the detriment of civilian populations already hard hit by armed conflicts. Actors on the ground are calling for a military intervention to liberate the region from rebel hands, but it remains to be seen if this will happen and if it will be effective.