Recent events in Bukavu city illustrate the growing power of the M23 rebel group, as hundreds of Congolese police officers joined their ranks. This shift follows M23’s significant territorial gains amidst a backdrop of unrest. The situation has prompted a call from the UN Security Council for the cessation of hostilities, yet local sentiments remain uncertain regarding the impact of M23’s governance.
In Bukavu city, crowds of Congolese police officers recently joined the M23 rebel group, expressing their support through singing and clapping. These officers are set to undergo retraining under the rebels’ authority, signaling the M23’s intent to establish governance. The rebels made significant advances in eastern Congo last week, resulting in unrest and looting as Congolese forces retreated without resistance.
The M23’s control over large parts of eastern Congo, including crucial mineral deposits, has raised concerns of an escalation into a broader conflict. In response, the United Nations Security Council unanimously called for the rebels to cease hostilities and withdraw. However, in Bukavu, there are no indications that this demand will be acted upon, as the police were advised to leave for training to support the M23.
Approximately 1,800 police officers have defected to the M23, with an additional 500 set to follow. Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the AFC alliance, confirmed these figures. In the midst of this, the Congolese government has remained silent regarding requests for comments on this evolving situation.
The ongoing crises in eastern DRC involve complex interactions between the Congolese government and the M23 rebels, who have been labeled as a terrorist organization by the government, while the UN and U.S. consider them merely an armed rebel group. Locals, like Bukavu resident Josue Kayeye, expressed doubts about the positive impacts of the M23’s presence, stating that the rebels’ takeover has significantly disrupted local life.
Moreover, Congolese troops are facing multiple challenges, including the recent capture of Minembwe and its airfield by an allied Tutsi militia. This incident follows the death of Colonel Makanika, a militia leader, in a drone strike by the Congolese military. Defence chiefs from East African nations convened in Nairobi to address the crisis, admitting that there was a lack of clarity regarding the current situation amid the violence.
Despite the urgent need for dialogue among conflicting parties, the Congolese government has consistently declined to engage with the M23. The M23, along with its supporters in Rwanda, contests allegations that it acts as a proxy for Rwanda in pursuit of eastern Congo’s rich resources.
The situation in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo remains critical as the M23 rebellion intensifies, drawing local police into its ranks. As the United Nations calls for an end to hostilities, local skepticism about the rebels’ governance grows amid ongoing unrest. The Congolese military faces significant challenges, further complicated by the government’s refusal to negotiate with the M23, whose actions exacerbate fears of escalating regional conflict.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
