News of October 24, 2023: Civil Society of North Kivu calls for an end to the ceasefire imposed by the East African Community (EAC)
In a clear and direct ultimatum, the Provincial Coordination Office of Civil Society, the driving forces of North Kivu, asked the President of the Republic and his government to put an end to the ceasefire imposed by the East African Community (EAC). According to Civil Society, this ceasefire is theoretical and hypocritical, and it believes that it is time to escape from the “cruel shackles” imposed by this measure. She granted two weeks to the Congolese government and the head of state to comply with this request, otherwise she will call on the population to revolt.
Civil Society in North Kivu expresses its frustration with the repeated attacks by the M23-RDF rebel group and the resulting human and material losses. She also criticizes the silence of the East African Community (EAC) and the international community in the face of these attacks. According to Civil Society, when local self-defense forces achieve military victories against the M23-RDF, voices are quickly raised to demand a ceasefire, but when it is the M23 which attacks and kills Congolese , no one reacts.
Recent M23-RDF attacks in the Kitshanga region have been particularly violent, with houses burned, deaths and injuries. Civil Society also denounces the systematic looting of businesses and homes by M23-RDF fighters, with the complicity of populations from Bwiza. Faced with this situation, Civil Society urges the Congolese government to abandon the diplomatic approach and to liberate the territories under the influence of the M23-RDF.
Civil Society also calls for the exclusion of Rwanda from all regional and international organizations, considering that this country is responsible for violating the territorial integrity of the DRC.
In conclusion, the Civil Society of North Kivu expresses its anger and dissatisfaction with the ceasefire imposed by the East African Community (EAC) and the violence perpetrated by the rebel group M23-RDF. It calls on the Congolese government to take concrete measures to put an end to these attacks and prevent further human and material losses. The population is called upon to mobilize in the event of non-compliance with this ultimatum. The situation remains tense in the region and it is crucial to find lasting solutions to ensure peace and stability in North Kivu.