The ongoing conflict in the territories of Masisi and Rutshuru in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to generate tensions and violent clashes between the M23 rebel group and local armed groups favorable to the government. Last Monday, a convoy of the Ugandan contingent of the East African Community Regional Force was ambushed by a local armed group, fueling fears and distrust of the regional force.
The incident took place early in the morning, in pouring rain, on the road linking Rutshuru-central to Bunagana, a region which theoretically is supposed to be under the control of the Ugandan contingent of the Regional Force. Exact details on the identity of the attackers are not yet clear, but reports say they are likely the local fighters known as Wazalendo.
This attack raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the EAC regional force in the region and its ability to maintain peace. The Mai-Mai militias, as well as part of the local population, openly express their hostility towards this EAC force, in particular the Ugandan contingent, which they accuse of collaborating with the M23.
Faced with this delicate situation, the EAC opened an investigation into the ambush, calling it a provocation. For its part, the DRC government has announced that it will not renew the mandate of the EAC regional force, which expires on December 8, due to its lack of positive results.
The consequences of this conflict are dramatic for local populations, with tens of thousands of people displaced since the start of the violence in October. The humanitarian challenges are enormous, with the urgent need for aid and support for those affected.
It is crucial to find lasting solutions to this conflict, addressing not only the armed combatants, but also the root causes of the conflict, such as socio-economic inequalities, ethnic tensions and political rivalries. The international community must play an active role in mediation and the search for peaceful solutions, in order to end the violence and promote stability in the region.
Press reports on this incident, as well as the conflict in general, are raising public awareness of the complex situation in which the DRC finds itself and calling for collective action to end the violence and support affected populations. By continuing to document and speak out about these events, we are helping to keep attention on this crisis and demand concrete action to address the underlying causes of the conflict.
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