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Bukavu (Congo): Massive explosions caused a stampede at a rally of leaders of the ‘M23’ rebel group in the eastern Congolese city of Bukavu on Thursday. At least 11 people were killed and 65 others injured in these explosions. The death toll is expected to rise further. Cornel Nanga, leader of the ‘Congo River Alliance’ (AFC), told reporters, “11 people died in this attack and the investigation is ongoing.” AFC also includes ‘M23’. He said, “65 people have been injured, six of whom are in critical condition and are currently being treated.”
When the explosions took place in the central part of Bukavu, leaders of the ‘M23’ rebel group, including Nanga, were meeting residents. Videos and photos shared on social media on Thursday show a crowd fleeing from the meeting in Bukavu and blood-soaked bodies on the ground. The M23 accused Congolese authorities of plotting the attack. “We accuse and strongly condemn the Kinshasa regime, which has implemented its plan to exterminate the civilian population,” the AFC said in a statement. “Several people, including some Kinshasa terrorists, were killed in the attack, and some were injured,” it said.
Congo’s President condemns the attack
The statement said, “There must be consequences for this cowardly and barbaric act.” Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi called the attack “a heinous terrorist act perpetrated by foreign forces illegally present on Congolese soil.” The M23 rebels have seized major cities in the region and killed about 3,000 people. According to UN experts, the rebels are supported by about 4,000 troops from neighboring Rwanda. According to a journalist present at the rally, Nanga was among the leaders leaving the stage when two explosions occurred. Nanga had earlier said at the rally that the ‘M23’ was bringing “change and development” to his city. (AP)
