Rwanda-backed M23 rebels have taken control of Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Congolese government confirmed Sunday. 

According to reports of several media outlets, including The Guardian, M23 fighters reportedly entered Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province on Friday, after facing little resistance from Congolese forces as government troops withdrew from the city over the weekend. 

Videos circulating online showed some residents lining the streets, cheering as the rebels moved into the city center. The regional governor’s office was among the first buildings seized.

The people of Bukavu are celebrating, not fleeing. They see M23 as a revolutionary force, not a threat.

The population is literally saying; thank you for rescuing us from Kinshasa regime.

Don’t let foreign media twist the truth spread the reality. pic.twitter.com/9RZMxTvAKH

— Calvin Mutsinzi (@CalvinMutsinzi) February 17, 2025

Bukavu residents have reported incidents of gunfire and looting in the aftermath of the takeover.

In a statement, the Congo River Alliance, a coalition that includes M23, claimed the rebels intervened to restore stability after the city was “abandoned” by authorities. 

“Our forces have been working to restore security for the people and their property,” M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka said. 

The Congolese government later recognized the rebels’ takeover of Bukavu and advised residents to stay at home “to avoid being targeted by the occupying forces”.

In a statement posted on X, the DRC communications ministry said the Congolese government is “doing everything possible to restore order, security, and territorial integrity” in DRC. 

Bukavu is the second major city to fall to M23 in recent weeks. In January, the group captured Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.