The security situation in North Kivu in the DRC remains worrying, with the still active presence of the M23 rebellion and the Rwandan army. Despite regional agreements and the presence of the EAC regional force, this situation of destabilization continues, with troop movements reported at the Mwaru border post.
The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo have declared themselves on alert against M23 terrorists supported by the Rwandan army, who wish to extend their influence in the region. The rebels have been bolstered by freshly trained recruits in Rwanda, and are determined to attack Goma and escalate the humanitarian crisis and insecurity in the region.
The Congolese authorities have therefore vehemently denounced this behavior put in place by the Rwandan army and its M23 allies, described as “going to war”. While all observers in the region were hoping for the agreements and commitments made in Nairobi and Luanda to be put into practice, RDF/M23 troops relocated their forward headquarters to Kibumba and Rugari, further deepening the crisis.
This deleterious security situation contributes to aggravate the slump affecting North Kivu and complicates the task of the Congolese authorities in their desire to restore peace, especially since rebel movements are also observed in the west of the country.