Current events in the Democratic Republic of Congo are marked by the resumption of clashes with the M23 rebels in the east of the country. Faced with this growing threat, the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO) launched Operation “Springbok” in collaboration with the Congolese army.
Since the beginning of October, violence has intensified, particularly in the regions of Saké and Goma. M23 forces are moving dangerously close to these towns, prompting MONUSCO to adopt a defensive approach to protect the civilian population and maintain stability in the region.
General Otavio Rodrigues de Miranda Filho, commander of the MONUSCO force, stressed the importance of this operation in the face of growing concern. If armed groups attempt to attack Saké or Goma, MONUSCO is ready to change its strategy to adopt an offensive posture.
The latest clashes mainly took place in the Virunga national park, but the M23 rebels seem to be heading towards the south of North Kivu and the town of Saké, the last bastion before Goma. The military governor of North Kivu, Lieutenant-Colonel Guillaume Ndjike, welcomed MONUSCO’s decision, stressing the importance of this collaboration to obtain positive results.
However, despite the launch of Operation Springbok, MONUSCO plans to begin its withdrawal from the country from December, in accordance with the request of the Congolese presidency. This decision marks the end of MONUSCO’s presence of more than 20 years in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is important to emphasize that this operation aims to ensure the security of civilian populations and maintain stability in the east of the country. MONUSCO, in collaboration with the Congolese army, plays an essential role in the fight against armed groups and in the protection of civilians.