The Departure of the EAC Demanded by the Citizen Movements of the DRC
In a press release published recently, the collective of victims of the Rwandan aggression RDF/M23 and the citizen movements of the eastern part of the DRC expressed their demand for the departure of the East African force (EAC). These movements also condemned the excessive use of force by the Congolese national police during demonstrations demanding the departure of the regional EAC force.
In this document, the collective also denounces serious human rights violations committed by elements of the Congolese national police. They point the finger at the mayor of the city of Goma for his unpatriotic attitude and his repeated violations of human rights. They cite in particular the case of August 30, 2023, where serious violations were allegedly committed.
In addition, the collective of victims of the Rwandan aggression RDF/M23 and citizen movements condemn the arrest of activists and denounce the “disappearance” of several other people, including women and a man.
These demands of the collective reflect the discontent of the population of North Kivu with the presence of the EAC on Congolese soil. They consider the East African contingent as simple observers, like the MONUSCO troops.
It is essential to emphasize that the situation in the DRC is complex and requires an in-depth analysis of its different actors and issues. The demands of the collective of victims of the Rwandan aggression RDF/M23 and the citizen movements reflect the desire of the population to make their voice heard and to demand greater security and justice on their territory.
It is now crucial to follow the evolution of this request to leave the EAC and to see how the Congolese and regional authorities will react to it. Resolving this issue will require constructive dialogue and a search for mutually beneficial solutions for all parties involved.