Congo rebels say they have entered Bukavu after seizing airport

Rwandan-backed M23 rebels entered eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's second-largest city Bukavu on Friday, a rebel leader told Reuters, as residents reported seeing the militants in the streets of a northern district.

Earlier on Friday, the Congolese army confirmed that M23 fighters had taken control of Kavumu airport, north of Bukavu, and that Congolese troops had pulled back with their equipment.

The rebels have been trying to push south towards Bukavu since they seized Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo, at the end of last month.

The capture of Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, would represent an unprecedented expansion of territory under the M23's control since the latest insurgency started in 2022, and deal a further blow to Kinshasa's authority in the east.

"I confirm that we entered Bukavu this evening, and tomorrow, we will continue with the operation to clean up the city," said Corneille Nangaa, leader of the Congo River Alliance, which includes the M23.

The Congolese army did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Read: M23 rebels take another town in eastern Congo despite ceasefire

Two residents of a northern part of Bukavu called Bagira said they had seen rebels on the streets and no sign of fighting.

"Their uniforms were different. We had been prepared since the daytime for their arrival ... the FARDC (army soldiers) had left. There were no clashes," said resident Helene, who described watching the rebels pass by her window.

Earlier, Congolese army spokesperson Sylvain Ekenge said troops had pulled back after the seizure of the airport.

He did not say where they had withdrawn to, but Congolese and Burundian troops were seen leaving Bukavu's main military camp, Saio, during the day, two residents and one UN source said.

"They're retreating to avoid fighting in populated areas," said one person, who lives near the camp.