Congo rebels promise security in Bukavu after looting

Smoke billows from Bukavu Central Prison buildings, a day after the prison break as Rwandan-backed M23 rebels advanced into the centre of Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo February 16, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer

(Reuters) - Residents of eastern Congo's second-largest city on Monday surveyed the aftermath of widespread looting that accompanied the arrival of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels who have pledged to restore order.

The M23 fighters moved into the centre of Bukavu on Sunday, marking the Tutsi-led group's most significant advance since seizing east Congo's biggest city of Goma in late January.