During a recent visit by IGIHE to the capital of South Kivu Province, residents lamented that the Congolese forces (FARDC) abandoned them at least two days before M23 rebels arrived.
Some of the soldiers who remained in the city were accused of looting from the population before abandoning their weapons and fleeing as the fighters advanced.
The abandoned weapons fell into the hands of rogue elements and criminal gangs, who then began terrorizing residents and traders.
"I am a taxi driver here in Bukavu, and we could not move for two days after the government forces abandoned us while gangs wreaked havoc in the streets," said Rodrigue Nestor.
M23 fighters now patrol the city regularly, with some stationed at strategic locations to maintain order. While key facilities, such as schools and banks, remain closed, many businesses continue to operate.
"Now the situation is much better. We don't live in fear anymore, and we are not experiencing the same problems," remarked Bishimwa Abdul.
Government Offices Abandoned
The office of South Kivu Governor Jean Jacques Purusi remains deserted days after M23 seized control of the provincial capital. Nearby, the Prosecutor's Office stands eerily abandoned, its doors left wide open, with files and documents scattered across the floorâ€"evidence of a hurried departure and a sudden shift in power.
Further down the street, the local prison tells a more dramatic story. More than 2,500 inmates escaped, turning the facility into a scene of chaos. Residents described it as something straight out of a movie, with both prisoners and opportunistic looters ransacking whatever they could. The prison's deplorable state hints at the harsh conditions inmates endured behind its walls.
M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka has sought to reassure residents, stating that despite the disorder they found upon entering the city, the group is committed to protecting civiliansâ€"including from criminals who fled the prison.
"When we arrived in Bukavu, we found hell, a nightmare. It looked like a horror film. People were distraught, their houses looted and destroyed. But now, since we arrived, people are happy that we are here. As we entered the city, people applauded, relieved by our presence."
Citing the persecution of the minority Congolese Rwandophones in eastern Congoâ€"who have endured marginalization for decades and have been forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries such as Uganda and Rwandaâ€"Kanyuka said, "We cannot stand by and watch as our people are destroyed and killed by the DRC government, which is supposed to protect our compatriots from the criminals of FARDC and their allied forces."
Kanyuka also urged any Congolese soldiers still in hiding to surrender, promising that M23â€"now tightening its grip on Bukavu, Goma, and several other strategic towns in eastern Congoâ€"would facilitate their reintegration into military service or civilian life.
He reiterated the need for the Congolese government to stop atrocities committed against Congolese Rwandophones, even as various groups continue to call for dialogue to end the conflict in the troubled eastern region.
Meanwhile, over 500 Congolese nationals who had fled to Rwanda during the height of the unrest have begun returning home through the Rusizi border. Many of those we spoke to expressed relief, saying they were drawn back by the newfound stability and the hope that life in Bukavu was beginning to normalize.
"We are glad that the border is open, and we can go back home to reunite with our loved ones," said Mama Sifa.
As the sun sets over the city, a sense of cautious optimism lingers. Many residents remain hopeful that better days lie ahead.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
