Mushaki, a village formerly under the control of M23 rebels, has been completely taken over by the armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC). This news comes five days after the rebels withdrew from the region. The interim military governor went to the locality for an inspection visit, accompanied by the commanders of the FARDC units. It was thanks to collaboration with the Burundian contingents of the East African Community (EAC) that the loyalist forces were able to regain control of Mushaki.
Mushaki’s recovery took place without combat or dialogue. The M23 rebels withdrew without resistance, leaving the region to loyalist forces. The acting governor of North Kivu, General Peter Chirimwami, said the resumption was the result of an occupation and not a fight, because the rebels had already distanced themselves.
This victory is a glimmer of hope for the local population, who see the presence of the FARDC in the region as a guarantee of security. However, it also raises the question of the restoration of state authority. The residents of Mushaki also expect the presence of the Congolese National Police to resolve the population’s problems.
Furthermore, during a press conference on the occasion of the 78th General Assembly of the United Nations, President Félix Tshisekedi declared that dialogue would never be granted to the M23, welcoming at the same time the sanctions imposed by the United States to Rwandan officials for their support of the rebel movement.
This resumption of Mushaki shows the determination of the Congolese armed forces to restore peace and stability in the region. It is also a further step towards the end of the M23 and its harmful influence. The population, for its part, now hopes that state authority will be restored throughout the region, in order to guarantee security and development.