News in the DRC: An update on the security situation in the east of the country
In recent news in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs, Jean-Pierre Bemba, gave an update during a Council of Ministers on the evolution of the security situation in the east of the country, particularly in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.
According to Jean-Pierre Bemba, the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) continue to defend the homeland against the M23 terrorist groups and the Rwandan army. He deplored the recent killings of civilians, perpetrated by the M23 rebels with the support of the Rwandan army. These acts of violence took place not far from the positions of the regional force of the East African Community (EAC), responsible for ensuring a buffer zone.
The council report mentions that this M23/RDF coalition caused the death of 12 civilians, injured six others and looted several properties, before setting fire to several houses on August 5, 2023, in the village of Murangara, on the Rwindi axis to the Tongo group. These barbaric acts underline the need for a firm response from the authorities to protect the civilian population from the attacks perpetrated by these armed groups.
Alongside their fight against the M23, the FARDC also continue their military operations against other terrorist groups, such as the ADF/MTM, CODECO, ZAIRE and MAI-MAI. Jean-Pierre Bemba pointed out that despite their activism, many leaders and members of these groups have been arrested, some have surrendered and others are in disarray, thanks to the continuous pressure exerted by the joint FARDC-UPDF forces.
The security situation in eastern DRC therefore remains a major concern, with the need to deal with the threats posed by the various armed groups. It is crucial to strengthen the protection of civilians and to ensure that those responsible for these acts of violence are brought to justice.
The DRC continues to face many security challenges, but the efforts of the FARDC and forces in the region are encouraging. It is essential that all the actors concerned continue to work together to ensure lasting peace in the east of the country and to protect the population from the demons of violence and insecurity.
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