Priya Sippy
Appearances
Global News Podcast
Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday
At the end of February, Rwandan-backed M23 rebels staged a rally in Bukavu. There was singing, dancing and music. But moments later, panic ensued. People ran for their lives when explosions were heard. The rally is symbolic of life in Bukavu since M23 seized control of the city. People are applauding on the surface, but the changing regime has also brought fear and insecurity.
Global News Podcast
Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday
One 72-year-old resident of Bukavu says gunshots are regularly heard at night.
Global News Podcast
Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday
With supply chain routes disrupted and some markets remaining closed, residents say prices of basic goods like food and fuel have increased. The World Food Programme says items like maize flour have increased by 70% in some places. One resident spoke to us about the rampant inflation.
Global News Podcast
Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday
He also said there's a cash crisis. Banks are closed as they are controlled by the central government in Kinshasa.
Global News Podcast
Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday
Despite promises from M23 that life will return to normal, the group have little experience of governing large cities. Some residents say the local economy is declining and social services are struggling to restart. While schools were recently reopened, one mother tells us that classrooms remain empty.
Global News Podcast
Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday
The BBC has not been able to verify claims the rebels are abducting and conscripting children to fight. But on the social media platform X, M23 have said that the city of Bukavu is completely secure.