The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recently expressed its concern over the attacks perpetrated by the RDF/M23 coalition against the patriot self-defense forces. This violation of the ceasefire was denounced by the Deputy Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs, Samuel Adubango Awotho, during the 103rd meeting of the Council of Ministers.
According to reports, M23-RDF fighters launched operations in Masisi, Rutshuru and Nyirangongo territories, targeting armed group commanders in May. These actions demonstrate the persistence of hostilities despite efforts to bring peace to eastern DRC.
The security situation in Ituri province was also discussed during the meeting. Exactions, violence and killings perpetrated by various militias continue to rage in the territories of Djugu, Mahagi and in the northern part of Irumu. At the same time, ADF-MTM terrorists remain active in the territories of Irumu and Mambasa.
Despite the operations carried out by the regional force EACRF since December to counter the advance of the armed group M23, the rebels persist in the region. Regional diplomatic initiatives, notably those of the EAC, struggle to produce concrete results on the ground. With this in mind, Kinshasa turned to SADC for additional support. The recent SADC summit in Namibia approved the deployment of troops to eastern DRC, although the exact date of this deployment remains to be determined.
The security situation in eastern DRC therefore remains worrying, despite the efforts made by local and regional forces to put an end to the violence. The situation highlights the importance of international cooperation to resolve these conflicts and ensure security and stability in the region