Thousands march in Eastern Congo against M23 advance, resource exploitation

Mass protests erupted in Bukavu, South Kivu’s provincial capital, as thousands of citizens rallied against the advancing M23 rebel threat and ongoing illegal mineral exploitation. The demonstration, which drew participants from across the region, highlighted growing public anxiety over deteriorating security conditions and resource management.

Demonstrators voiced particular concern about M23’s movement toward South Kivu through Minova, a strategic border town. The protest brought together diverse segments of the local population, united in their demand for stronger government action against both armed groups and illegal mining operations.

Protesters specifically targeted the issue of unauthorized mineral extraction, which has plagued the resource-rich province for years. Citizens expressed frustration over the disconnect between the region’s mineral wealth and its persistent poverty, pointing to inadequate infrastructure development despite continuous resource extraction.

The demonstration highlighted the complex challenges facing South Kivu, where security concerns intersect with resource management issues. Local residents abandoned their daily routines to participate in the protest, expressing deep-seated grievances about community living conditions and the perceived lack of economic benefits from the region’s natural resources.

The protest underscores mounting pressure on authorities to address both the immediate security threat posed by advancing rebel forces and the long-standing issue of illegal resource exploitation. These twin challenges continue to impact stability and development prospects in eastern Congo’s mineral-rich provinces.