Recent events in the Democratic Republic of Congo have highlighted a series of tensions and military confrontations in the Mambasa region, in the Lubero territory. The Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) reported shooting down six kamikaze drones belonging to the Rwandan army’s special force. This escalation of violence raises fears of a resurgence of clashes in the region.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Mak Hazukay, in charge of communication in the Sokola 1 Grand Nord operational sector, the downed drones posed a serious threat to the stability of the region. This action by the FARDC demonstrates its determination to protect national sovereignty and to confront any threat to the territorial integrity of the country.
Furthermore, the FARDC also denounced the use by the March 23 Movement (M23), supported by Rwanda, of young Congolese civilians as “cannon fodder” on the front lines, particularly in Mambasa and Alimbongo. This inhumane practice of using civilians as human shields is a flagrant violation of International Humanitarian Law.
Colonel Mak Hazukay highlighted the presence of armed M23 rebels in sensitive locations such as churches, schools and hospitals in the areas they occupy south of Lubero. This tactic of retreating into protected areas endangers the lives of innocent civilians and undermines stabilization efforts in the region.
Faced with this alarming situation, the FARDC has called on civilians used as human shields to lay down their arms and surrender safely. They have also urged residents of rebel-occupied areas to move away from conflict zones in order to preserve their physical integrity.
This series of events demonstrates the security challenges facing the Democratic Republic of the Congo and underlines the importance of rapid action to protect civilian populations and restore stability in the Mambasa region. The Congolese authorities and the international community must work together to find lasting solutions to these recurring crises and prevent further escalations of violence.