North Kivu continues to be a confrontation ground in the DRC, where troops from the Community of East African States (EAC) were in action to hunt down the M23 rebels. Recently, the heads of state of the East African Community (EAC) decided to extend the mandate of the forces in North Kivu until September. However, there had already been preliminary talks for sending troops from the Southern African Regional Community (SADC). Recently, concern has been raised over where SADC troops would be deployed, given that EAC troops have already occupied areas liberated by M23 rebels.
Jean-Pierre Bemba Gombo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, as well as Mbusa Nyamwisi, his colleague for Regional Integration, demanded, during the assizes in Luanda, “a firm condemnation of the CIRGL of any attempt to relaunch the war on the part of the M23 rebels and Rwanda, its support”. But some specialists fear that North Kivu is the scene of a confrontation between SADC and EAC troops, which could worsen the situation.
In addition, Congolese military officials confirmed that M23 rebels were preparing to take the town of Goma. It could also lead to problems if Kenyan, Ugandan, South Sudanese and Burundian troops operating in the North Kivu region decide to cooperate with SADC troops to come into conflict with the rebels. In this tense situation, the DRC needs additional efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Ultimately, the Congolese government must work with neighboring countries and regional agencies to ease tensions in the region. Further efforts must be made to find diplomatic solutions before the situation escalates into open conflict. Ultimately, a comprehensive approach is needed to ensure long-term security and stability in the region