Deadly Explosions at M23 Rebel Rally in Bukavu Leave 11 Dead, 65 Injured

On Thursday, February 27, 2025, two explosions occurred during a rally organized by the M23 rebel group at Independence Square in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

The blasts resulted in at least 11 fatalities, including one woman, and left 65 others injured, with six in critical condition. 

The incident took place shortly after Corneille Nangaa, coordinator of the Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), an armed coalition that includes M23 rebels, addressed the gathering. 

Nangaa and other senior rebel leaders were unharmed.

 He accused the Congolese government of orchestrating the attack, alleging that the grenades used were of Burundian origin. One suspect was apprehended at the scene, while another died in the explosion. 

In response, President Felix Tshisekedi condemned the attack, describing it as a "heinous terrorist act" perpetrated by "a foreign army illegally present on Congolese soil," implicitly referring to Rwandan forces. 

The M23 rebel group has intensified its activities in eastern DRC since December, seizing key cities, including Bukavu and Goma. The conflict has led to significant civilian casualties and displacement, with over 7,000 deaths reported since January. 

The situation remains tense, with ongoing investigations to identify the perpetrators and prevent further violence in the region.