Bunagana, a border town between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, has come under the control of the rebels of the March 23 Movement (M23) since June 13, 2022, with the support of Rwanda. The border post is now in rebel hands, and although the EAC regional force in Uganda is present, the cohabitation between the rebels and the regional forces is worrying. The presence of M23 in the region has created growing insecurity, with cases of kidnapping and looting reported in Rutshuru and Masisi territories.
Despite North Kivu provincial bans on the transit of goods through the Bunagana customs post, customs activities have slowed down since the town was occupied by the M23. The townspeople were also affected by the rebel administration who introduced taxes for simple food items. In addition, some residents have fled the town to seek refuge in Uganda, refusing to return until the rebels’ presence is known.
Although the M23 was supposed to withdraw from the areas conquered since last March, their withdrawal has not been implemented. Instead of fighting the rebels, the regional EAC force cohabits with them, which Kinshasa does not tolerate. Several actors are calling for new military operations aimed at liberating localities from the hands of M23 in the territories of Rutshuru, Masisi and Nyiragongo.
The conflict in the DRC continues to wreak havoc on the lives of Congolese who face growing insecurity due to the presence of armed groups in the region. The situation in the town of Bunagana highlights the need for effective measures to be put in place to guarantee security and peace in the areas affected by the conflicts in the DRC