The M23 rebels: a lie that costs lives
In a tragic turn of events, the M23 rebels finally admitted that they had never left the occupied areas, endangering the lives of thousands of displaced people. After months of denials, the terrorists exposed the command of the regional force, which had repeatedly affirmed their withdrawal.
The self-proclaimed M23 military leader, Sultani Makenga, openly defies Kinshasa and regional organizations by rejecting the cantonment of his men. In a video posted recently, he claims that the M23 does not care about quartering and is just waiting for a dialogue. These military leaders, visibly supported by Rwanda, seem to engage in a suicidal logic of war.
Evidence of complicity between the M23 and the regional force was revealed in a letter from the military governor of North Kivu. This letter mentions the resumption of activities at the Bunagana border, which has been under rebel control for more than a year. Measures were taken to facilitate the entry of border agents under the escort of troops from the regional force.
The M23 reacted violently to this letter, considering any presence of the Congolese government on their territory as a provocation and promising severe repression.
This lie was certified by the Community of East African States (EAC) which, in December of the previous year, had given a moratorium to the M23 to leave all occupied areas. The EAC Heads of State and the regional force commander even invited journalists to Kibumba to observe the withdrawal of the rebels and the installation of EAC troops in the area. Peace seemed to be back, but it turned out to be a facade. Congolese lives were lost as displaced people returned to Kibumba in Nyiragongo territory.
This new episode of lies and violence highlights the complexity of the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and the need for a more effective approach to achieve peace. It is crucial to put an end to the complicity between the rebels and the regional force in order to guarantee the security of the populations affected by this conflict.