Title: Controversial deployment of the EAC regional force to fight against the M23 rebellion in the DRC: what prospects for improvement?
Introduction :
For several months, the situation in North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been marked by the M23 rebellion. Faced with this threat, the regional force of the East African Community (EAC) was deployed in the region. However, criticism has been leveled at the ineffectiveness of this force and its alleged cohabitation with the rebels. In this article, we will examine the statements of President Félix Tshisekedi, the reactions of East African leaders and the prospects for improvement in dealing with this situation.
President Tshisekedi denounces the cohabitation between the East African force and the M23 rebels:
During his mission to Gaborone last May, President Tshisekedi expressed his dissatisfaction with the actions of the East African force deployed in North Kivu. He denounced the “cohabitation” between this force and the M23 rebels, questioning the objective of this mission. According to him, the East African force tolerated the activities of the rebels, even supported them by allowing them to collect taxes. These statements elicited mixed reactions, both in the DRC and within the EAC.
Mixed reactions from East African leaders to DRC criticism:
The criticisms made by President Tshisekedi have not been well received by East African leaders. The Deputy Prime Minister for Foreign Affairs, Christophe Lutundula, even publicly declared the failure of the East African force in its mission. However, despite these tensions, the mandate of the regional force was extended until September, thus leaving an opportunity to reassess and improve its effectiveness.
Prospects for improvement to deal with the M23 rebellion:
Faced with criticism and tensions, it is necessary to find solutions to improve the action of the East African force against the M23 rebellion. First of all, it is crucial to strengthen coordination and communication between the various forces present on the ground, in order to avoid any collusion with the rebels. Then, concrete measures must be taken to ensure respect for the offensive mandate of the East African force and to guarantee the safety of the civilian population. Finally, frank and open discussions between the DRC and the EAC are necessary to reassess and readjust the modalities of the mission according to the evolution of the situation on the ground.
Conclusion :
The situation in North Kivu in the DRC requires firm and coordinated action to deal with the M23 rebellion. The controversial deployment of the EAC regional force has drawn criticism from President Tshisekedi, but also mixed reactions from East African leaders. It is now essential to find solutions in order to improve the effectiveness of this force and to guarantee the safety of the civilian populations. Frank discussions and a reassessment of mission modalities will be necessary to respond effectively to the current situation