Bukavu: Several people were killed and injured in explosions that occurred in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo during a rally of M23/AFC rebel groups, according to local media. Corneille Nangaa, the coordinator of the AFC/M23 groups, was about to conclude the rally in Bukavu when the explosions took place, Congolese online news outlet Actualite reported, citing witnesses.

According to Anadolu Agency, the M23 group has intensified its territorial control in eastern Congo since December, recently seizing the provincial capitals of Goma and Bukavu. The group's actions have heightened tensions in the region, which has been fraught with conflict and instability.

Fighting in the eastern Congo has led to the deaths of more than 7,000 people this year, as stated by Congo's Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka. The ongoing conflict has significantly impacted the civilian population and heightened the humanitarian crisis in the area.

The Democratic Republic of Congo has accused Rwanda of backing the rebel groups, further complicating the regional dynamics. In response to these allegations, countries including the US and the UK have announced punitive measures and sanctions against Kigali over its alleged support for the rebel factions.