“Now the people of Bukavu are breathing the air of liberation, the air of freedom. We are the people’s army," Lt. Col. Ngoma said on Sunday, February 16, 2025.

Lt. Col. Ngoma hinted at the “liberation” of Bukavu after many M23 fighters were seen entering the city in the early hours of Sunday morning.

This followed an announcement from the office of the President of the DRC, stating that the country’s army and local militias were in control of Bukavu.

M23 fighters were seen at the intersections of roads, at a place known as ‘Place de L’Independance,’ and in an area called ‘La Botte,’ where the South Kivu Governor’s office is located, on the shores of Lake Kivu.

They were also seen entering other parts of Bukavu, including Kadutu, signalling that the DRC government forces, who had retreated from the city, might have left again.

M23 fighters suggested they had taken Bukavu after capturing Kavumu Airport, which they said was used by the DRC’s coalition forces to launch attacks on M23 positions.

M23 fighters were seen at the intersections of roads, at a place known as ‘Place de L’Independance,’ and in an area called ‘La Botte,’ where the South Kivu Governor's office is located, on the shores of Lake Kivu.