Fears in Bukavu as M23 seize key airport in eastern DR Congo

M23 fighters seize Bukavu airport in DRC, sparking fears of wider conflict as African leaders gather for crisis talks.

M23 fighters on Friday seized the airport serving Bukavu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, just as African leaders gathered for crisis talks on the escalating crisis.

Violence in the restive region has sparked fears of a wider conflict, as a number of neighbouring countries already have a military presence on the ground.

The capture of the airport, some 30 km from Bukavu, was the last military obstacle in the way of the M23 group, and prompted fears of an imminent push on the city.

Congolese troops, who according to security sources put up little resistance, were seen heading back to Bukavu in military trucks and on motorbikes laden with mattresses and other belongings.

As other soldiers unloaded their personal effects in the city, which is home to about one million people, local authorities sent staff home and shops shut, an AFP journalist on the scene said.

Bukavu previously fell to soldiers who deserted the Congolese army in 2004 and the capture of the city would effectively give the M23 total control of the vast Lake Kivu area.

Heads of state were due to meet for talks on the crisis in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Friday before this weekend's annual African Union summit.