M23 rebel forces tightened their grip on eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by taking control of the critical airport near Bukavu on Friday which intensified the existing tensions of the region during this already volatile period. Security experts warn that the seized airport poses a direct threat to Bukavu residents because the airport stands 30 kilometers outside of the city which contains almost one million inhabitants.
The rebel incursion occurs at the same time that African leaders meet in Addis Ababa before the African Union summit session. The situation continues to deteriorate despite requests for truce because nations adjacent to the region like Rwanda Uganda and South Africa have troops stationed in the area.
Congolese military forces showed minimal defense against M23 advances while they brought their property back to Bukavu during the time local government workers went home and retail stores shuttered. The M23 control now threatens to take over the strategic and resource-rich Lake Kivu area after Rwandan forces backed their campaign. 
The three-year-long conflict dislodged hundreds of thousands of people and the United Nations reports 3,000 deaths according to their data. Humanitarian organizations predict cholera to spread through overcrowded refugee camps that continue to deteriorate.
International requests to minimize tensions become more critical as Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi’s exclusion from peace discussions makes the peace negotiation process more difficult. The regional stability remains at risk because a complete regional conflict retains an increasingly ominous threat.
