'We have no choice': Bukavu residents in DR Congo rally in support of M23 authorities - Video
Hundreds of residents in Bukavu gathered in a meeting organised by social and political figures from South Kivu to express their support for the new AFC/M23 authorities.
Many attendees voiced their expectations for economic improvements and job opportunities under the new administration.
John Baraka, a 33-year-old unemployed resident, expressed his hopes for a better future: "You know, we have no choice. The people of Bukavu expect, above all, to see improvements in our lives - jobs and economic growth. We want young people to have opportunities and for everyone's living conditions to improve."
Similarly, Jean-Claude Mazombo, a father of six, emphasised the need for change: "We expect the new leaders to bring real transformation, unlike what we experienced in the past. We struggled with unemployment, but we hope the current authorities will listen to us and provide opportunities."
Another resident, Fiston, echoed these sentiments, stating, "We hope to see changes in all sectors. Young graduates need jobs. We want our education to count so that we can support our families."
UN Security Council Calls on Rwanda to Halt Support for M23
Meanwhile, as rebels continue their advance in eastern DR Congo, the United Nations Security Council has, for the first time, called on Rwanda to cease its backing of the M23 group and to put an end to the violence. UN experts estimate that the group has received support from approximately 4,000 Rwandan soldiers, the AFP reports.
The rapid territorial expansion of M23 has forced thousands of people to flee their homes. The rebel group now controls significant portions of eastern DR Congo, a region known for its wealth of natural resources. Fighters seized the South Kivu provincial capital, Bukavu, on Sunday, just weeks after taking control of Goma, the capital of North Kivu and the largest city in the country's eastern region.
