Recent protests in Butembo, DRC, reflected widespread discontent towards Rwandan support for M23 rebels and opposition to negotiations with them. Protesters urged for military offensive measures by Congolese forces against both M23 and ADF groups and called for greater military support amid ongoing violence that has claimed 17,000 lives since 2014. President Tshisekedi is promoting military collaboration with Uganda to enhance security efforts in the region.
In Butembo, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), hundreds of protesters expressed their discontent with Rwanda and the prospect of negotiations with the M23 rebel group. This demonstration was characterized by fervent chants denouncing perceived Rwandan support for the rebels and maintaining solidarity with the Congolese armed forces, particularly the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC). Protesters, led by figures like Frank Mukendi, emphasized their demand for military offensives to retake occupied regions, firmly opposing any withdrawal orders lacking sound justification. Muhindo Shafi, a member of the local civil society, criticized Rwanda’s continuous claims regarding the presence of the FDLR in the DRC, describing such assertions as distractions that undermine peace efforts. The escalating violence attributed to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in North Kivu was also at the forefront of the protests, with demonstrators like Rose Kahavu calling for immediate action against both M23 and ADF rebels. They demanded that the government equip the FARDC adequately to address these threats, emphasizing the urgent need for intervention since the violence has resulted in extensive loss of life since its onset in October 2014. Currently, operations involving the Congolese and Ugandan militaries are underway in an effort to combat the escalating insecurity, although the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen. Following a meeting with Ugandan military officials, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi reiterated the necessity of enhancing military collaboration to restore safety in the region.
The salient issues in this region stem from longstanding tensions and conflicts involving various armed groups, including the M23 and ADF, as well as the alleged external influence of Rwanda. The ongoing negotiations between DRC and Rwanda in Luanda aim to address the multifaceted security challenges facing the region. The recurring violence and humanitarian crises have prompted civil society and local communities to actively advocate for robust military responses to threats posed by these groups.
The protests in Butembo highlight the local community’s urgent demands for military action against both the M23 and ADF groups, reflecting a widespread sentiment against negotiations perceived as capitulation. The call for enhanced military support for the FARDC underscores the critical need for effective safeguarding measures in light of the ongoing violence and loss of life in North Kivu. Continued collaboration between the DRC and Uganda emerges as a pivotal factor in the broader strategy aimed at restoring peace and security in the region.
Original Source: www.africanews.com
