By : Lloyd Mahachi 

A significant citizen march took place in Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu province, on Wednesday. The march was orchestrated by the civil society organization Forces Vives.

Thousands of locals took to the streets to express concerns about the M23 rebels’ advance. The rebels have been moving into South Kivu through the border town of Minova.

Maître Nene Bintu, leader of Civil Society South Kivu, expressed grave concerns against the government. “Congolese are being killed like flies,” she stated.

Bintu criticized the Kigali regime for boycotting the Luanda process meeting. Demonstrators condemned the unlawful extraction of minerals, a persistent problem in the area.

South Kivu suffers from organized plundering by Chinese capital firms. These firms support local and global networks, perpetuating exploitation.

Fadhili Mubole, a resident of Bukavu, expressed concern about illegal mining. “I abandoned everything to take to the streets,” he said.

Mubole emphasized that people in his community suffer from hunger daily. “We must speak out against this injustice,” he added.

The protest highlights the determination of the South Kivu population to take a stand against insecurity and exploitation.

The spotlight is now on the authorities to deliver tangible solutions. The people are demanding action to address pressing issues.

The march demonstrated the population’s resolve to hold leaders accountable. “We will not be silenced,” one protester noted.

The protest drew attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region. Millions are displaced, and many more are affected by the conflict.

The international community must support efforts to find a peaceful solution. The people of South Kivu will not be ignored.

Editor : Josephine Mahachi