[13] The deputy head of MONUSCO, Vivian van de Perre, said on January 28 that the Angolan-mediated peace process needed to be restarted to "avert the looming threat of a third Congo war.

"[18] The M23-led rebel alliance, through their spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka, justified potential military action by citing the need to protect civilians from what they described as ongoing violence and pillaging in Bukavu.

United Nations officials confirmed rebel forces had advanced to within 50 kilometres (31 miles) of Bukavu, while maintaining control over Goma's transportation infrastructure, including all exit routes and the city's airport.

M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka justified the airport's seizure as a necessary measure to "eliminate the threat at the source," claiming the facility posed a danger to civilian populations.

[24] By February 15, widespread looting engulfed Bukavu as mobs of youth ransacked businesses, government offices, and shops, while many residents sought refuge indoors.

The civil disorder combined with reports of gunfire throughout the city and lack of security forces led to many civilians sheltering in place to avoid danger, resulting in many streets being emptied.

[27] Several injuries were reported as a result of the riots, with local residents claiming that Congolese troops were taking part in looting and arson of the city.

[32] While certain groups greeted them with cheers,[32] protests erupted across the city, particularly in the vicinity of the Governorate, as residents hesitantly left their homes in response to the occupation.

Addressing a gathered crowd outside the Governorate, M23 leader Bernard Maheshe Byamungu vowed to "clean up the disorder left over from the old regime" and accused the Congolese government of abandoning them to a jungle-like existence.

The threat of an imminent attack also prompted widespread civilian responses, with residents evacuating the area and commercial establishments suspending operations, including banks and shops.

[13] Videos posted to social media appeared to show civilians of Kabamba and Katana cheering M23 soldiers as they spoke to crowds while in the process of advancing south.