Rwanda-backed rebels capture center of Bukavu in eastern Congo

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have reached the center of Bukavu, Congo's second-largest city, taking control of the South Kivu provincial office with little resistance from government forces. Many soldiers fled as residents cheered the rebels' advance. This marks a significant expansion for the M23, which previously captured Goma last month. Unlike in 2012, when they only seized Goma, the rebels now appear to be pursuing political power amid ongoing ethnic tensions. Congo's President Felix Tshisekedi held a security meeting in Kinshasa, stating Bukavu was briefly invaded but remains under Congolese army control. Troops from Burundi and South Africa are supporting Congolese forces in the region.