Eastern Congo: Burial of Blast Victims Amid Rising Tensions

Twelve victims of a recent grenade blast at a rally in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, were buried by newly appointed rebel authorities. The incident, attributed to tensions between the government and M23 rebels, resulted in 17 fatalities. Grieving relatives called for peace as the conflict in eastern Congo escalates amidst accusations between the involved parties.

On Tuesday, twelve victims of last week’s fatal blast at a rally in Bukavu, situated in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, were ceremoniously interred by newly established rebel authorities. The devastating event occurred during a gathering controlled by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels, with the Congolese government and the insurgents blaming each other for the incident. Witnesses reported that a grenade, aimed at a convoy of rebel leaders in the city center, failed to hit its target, resulting in tragedy.

According to Dunia Masumbuko Bwenge, the new provincial vice governor, the explosion claimed the lives of 17 individuals—11 died instantly while others perished in hospitals subsequently. At the funeral, grieving residents sang solemnly, with a priest blessing the coffins as they were transported to their final resting place. The sorrow was palpable, particularly among women who had lost their husbands and sons in the attack.

Claude Balolebwami Nyarubasa expressed profound concern over the violence, sharing that his older brother Bruno was among the casualties. “At the moment, we are very worried, very worried, we ask our government to guarantee us peace… We plead with the government to help us, let these killings stop,” he asserted. The Congolese army attributed the attack to Rwandan troops and rebels who reportedly launched rockets and grenades at the crowd attending the rally. Rwanda, however, denied any involvement with the M23 group.

Furthermore, Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the rebel alliance, cast blame on President Felix Tshisekedi for the explosive incident. The recent surge in M23 rebel activities represents a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict in eastern Congo, a strife deeply rooted in the aftermath of Rwanda’s 1994 genocide and the ongoing struggle for the nation’s extensive mineral resources and identity.

The funeral of the twelve victims reflects the tragedy following the grenade explosion at a rally in Bukavu, where accountability remains unresolved amid conflicting narratives between Congolese authorities and M23 rebels. With rising tensions and pleas for peace from the affected families, the situation in eastern Congo highlights the critical need for stability in a region long affected by violence over resources and political strife.

Original Source: www.usnews.com