At least 11 people were killed and 65 others injured after explosions rocked a rally for the M23 rebel group in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), on Thursday.
The DRC presidency, which accuses neighboring Rwanda of backing the rebels, stated on social media that “several” people lost their lives due to “a foreign army illegally present on Congolese soil.”
Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance that includes M23, claimed that grenades used in the attack were similar to those deployed by Burundi’s army in the region. His claims, however, remain unverified.
Witnesses reported that the first explosion triggered panic, causing attendees to flee before a second blast followed. Gunfire was also heard. Videos from the scene showed people running, some bleeding and carrying victims.
The rally marked Nangaa’s first public appearance in Bukavu since his forces seized control of the city nearly two weeks ago. He confirmed to Reuters that neither he nor other senior rebel commanders were injured in the attack.
The situation in eastern DRC remains tense as clashes between government forces and armed groups, including M23, continue to destabilize the region.
