The situation in the North Kivu region in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is worrying. Indeed, the M23 rebels, suspected of being supported by the Rwandan army, are reportedly actively preparing to take the city of Goma, the provincial capital. To deal with this threat, the Congolese authorities have called for strengthening security in the region.
However, regional cooperation seems to be at stake, as two regional organizations invited by the Congolese government have different mandates. While forces from the East African Community (EAC) have had their mandate extended for three months, troops from the Economic Community for the Development of Southern Africa (SADC) are also expected in the region. The Kenyan, Ugandan, South Sudanese and Burundian military will have to coexist with these newcomers, potentially leading to a confrontation between the two organizations.
Specialists fear that the situation will turn into an “imported” war. DRC authorities have called for a strong condemnation of any attempt to reignite the rebel-backed M23 conflict. The situation remains complex and careful attention will have to be paid to the development of the various power relations in the region.
Finally, the latest news on other DRC topics includes a strike by taxi drivers in Kinshasa, the latest attacks by the Codeco militia in the DRC, a global strategic partnership between China and the DRC, a dispute between the intersyndicale des national financial authorities and the Ministry of Finance regarding the added value premium, the successful collaboration between Sicomines and China, and the question of whether the Congolese President, Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi, should risk a contested election for 2023