Bukavu, a city under the control of the M23 rebel group, is experiencing a surge in nightly killings and pervasive fear after Congolese troops withdrew, leaving behind easily accessible weapons for criminals. The lack of functioning courts and police has escalated the crisis, forcing residents to take matters into their own hands for self-protection. Despite the M23’s efforts to assert authority and encountering opposition, locals are expressing fatigue from the ongoing conflict, trapped between the M23 rebels and pro-Kinshasa militias. The situation in Bukavu underscores the urgent need for stability and security in the region, as civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence and instability.