The provincial coordination of the civil society Forces Vives of North Kivu recently issued a crucial recommendation to the army, suggesting the resumption of offensive operations against the M23/RDF rebel group. This recommendation, recorded in an official communiqué published on Wednesday, August 7 in Goma, highlights the urgency of the security situation in the region.
The president of this structure, John Banyene, expressed his concern about the continued occupation of several localities by the M23, despite the 30-day humanitarian truce observed by the Congolese army. Indeed, this period of ceasefire and the resulting agreement were not enough to deter the rebel group’s attacks.
Faced with this escalation of violence and the advance of the M23/RDF-AFC in the region, the civil society Forces Vives recommends that the Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo put an end to this unilateral ceasefire. The resumption of military operations is considered essential to regain control of the areas occupied by the enemy.
The humanitarian truce, which was supposed to provide a pause in the fighting, was unfortunately used by the M23 to strengthen its presence. Villages have been conquered, territories have been invaded, endangering the security of local populations. The cities of Butembo and Beni are not safe from this growing threat, with the risk of infiltration via the access routes through Lake Edward.
Urgent action is needed to protect civilians and restore stability in the North Kivu region. The provincial coordination of civil society Forces Vives calls for an immediate response to counter the advance of the M23 and restore peace and security in the region.
This recommendation raises crucial questions about the authorities’ ability to guarantee the security of citizens and maintain the territorial integrity of the country. The urgency of the situation requires immediate and determined actions to counter the rebel threat and preserve the stability of the region.
North Kivu is facing major security challenges, and only a rapid and concerted response will restore the confidence of the populations and re-establish a climate conducive to development. The provincial coordination of civil society Forces Vives has raised a legitimate alert, and it is now time to act with determination to put an end to this escalation of violence and restore peace in the region.