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Eleven killed after explosions at M23 rally in Bukavu
Members of the M23 rebel group on January 30, 2025. The group's leaders said they are still committed to “a negotiated solution” to ending the war.
What you need to know:
- The details on the cause of explosions were still scanty but the government of the DRC was already trading accusations with the rebels. Kinshasa promptly accused a ‘foreign army’ of rocking the rally with bombs while the M23 accused the government of plotting the explosives.
At least 11 people died after explosions rocked a rally organised by an alliance involving M23 rebel leaders in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The details on the cause of explosions were still scanty but the government of the DRC was already trading accusations with the rebels. Kinshasa promptly accused a ‘foreign army’ of rocking the rally with bombs while the M23 accused the government of plotting the explosives.
“President Tshisekedi strongly condemns this heinous act of terrorism perpetrated by a foreign army illegally present on Congolese soil,” read a statement released by the DRC government. Tshisekedi didn’t name the army but his government has been in tense relations with neighbouring Rwanda, which he accuses of fanning M23 rebels.
Witnesses said the stampede followed explosions that went off moments after Corneille Nangaa, the leader of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which also includes M23 rebels had finished a speech to a crowd at a rally. The ensuing commotion also led to injuries, witnesses said.
Gunshots followed the stampede, adding to the confusion, as people ran in different directions to save their lives.
Videos shared on social media by some credible users show people helplessly running through the streets, some bleeding, while early responders also carried the injured into cars.
The rebels blamed the attacks on the Kinshasa government.
“The AFC/M23 expresses its deep and sincere condolences to the population of Bukavu, following the terrorist attacks perpetrated at Place du 24 this Thursday 27, 2025 by Mr Felix Tshisekedi and his accomplices” read a statement shared by M23.
Nangaa said he and other senior members of the rebel group who were in attendance were unharmed.
An International SOS was later sent out to expatriates in eastern DRC, imploring people to “avoid the area around Independence Square in South Kivu province's capital Bukavu. This follows reported explosions during a rally involving the rebel M23 group, which recently captured the city.”
“Unconfirmed reports suggest there are numerous casualties”
“Avoid the area in the coming hours”
“If in the area, minimise movement and follow official directives” read the alert.
“We continue to advise departure from South Kivu once a confirmed evacuation method is obtained. Refer to our detailed alert for further information and advice”
The United Nations and Western powers continue their stance that neighbouring Rwanda is backing the M23 rebel group, accusations Rwanda denies.
The rebel advance has stirred fears of a regional war that could draw in Congo's neighbours.
The rebels have continued their offensive, now fighting against Congolese and Burundian forces for the town of Uvira.
In his speech before the shooting started, Nangaa told a crowd that M23 had come to Bukavu to bring security.
This was the first rally M23 held since the capture of Bukavu on February 16. M23 had also overrun Goma, the capital of North Kivu