The Extraordinary Summit of Heads of State of the East African Community (EAC) took a controversial decision regarding the quartering of M-23/RDF terrorists. The latter will no longer be gathered at Mount Sabyinyo, but in the military camp of Rumangabo, located in the province of North Kivu. This measure has raised concerns among the inhabitants of this region, in particular those of the Bwito chieftaincy, who complain of an increased risk of danger around this strategic area. Indeed, the Rumangabo military camp is only 40 km from Goma, the provincial capital.
If no security measures are put in place, passers-by on national road number 2 (RN2) are likely to be affected by attacks by rebels who are likely to enter it. In this region, the population fears the consequences of this decision taken in Bujumbura and asks for the effective supervision of the elements of the M-23/RDF in the Rumangabo camp to avoid any attack.
It should be noted that this decision was taken despite the agreements signed and that the representation of the Congolese government insisted on the insecurity maintained by Rwanda in the province of North Kivu. This region is also regularly affected by events linked to the unrest caused by the rebels, and the inhabitants of the region hope that the authorities will take the necessary measures to provide them with better security conditions.
In sum, this controversial decision has raised security and prevention concerns for the cantonment of M-23/RDF terrorists in North Kivu province. The outlook surrounding this measure remains unclear, and it is incumbent on the authorities involved in this decision to take adequate measures to guarantee the safety of the local population.