M23 continues robust recruitment in Bukavu following a terrorist attack attributed to the Kinshasa regime, claiming 13 lives. The group seeks to integrate surrendered troops and gain local support as tensions rise amidst accusations against the Burundian army. Despite international calls for peace, security in eastern DR Congo remains unstable, with the M23 advocating for governance reforms and human rights protections.
The M23 rebel group has actively continued its recruitment efforts in Bukavu, DR Congo, as confirmed by spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka on social media. Following a terrorist attack at a rebel rally that left 13 dead and over 70 injured, Kanyuka stated that the recruitment process is transparent and voluntary for adults. The attack was attributed to the Kinshasa regime, exacerbating tensions in the region.
During a rally at Place de l’Indépendance in Bukavu, rebel leader Corneille Nangaa oversaw a gathering of enthusiastic youth, called upon by military commander Gen Bernard Byamungu to join their cause for liberation against perceived bad governance. The response from the youth was overwhelming, with many eager volunteers rushing to register for the cause, indicating a significant surge in support for the rebels.
In recent developments, the M23 has absorbed a number of surrendered Congolese troops into their ranks, including over 2,100 police officers and nearly 900 soldiers. This follows the group’s earlier integration of government soldiers who capitulated after the capture of Goma. The ongoing recruitment and integration efforts signify the M23’s strengthening position in the region amidst rising conflict.
Accusations regarding the Thursday’s attack have been directed at the Burundian army, with claims that the explosives used were linked to them. More than 10,000 Burundian troops are currently part of a coalition fighting against the M23—a situation that complicates regional military dynamics. Meanwhile, the Congolese army coalition has been identified to include several problematic factions.
The M23 rebellion seeks to address various governance issues and protect human rights within DR Congo. Despite a call for ceasefire and dialogue from an East African Community (EAC) summit, the security situation remains precarious, as both violence and abuses continue to rise in South Kivu. The M23 has asserted control over critical areas like Bukavu, prompted by local demands for security against state violence.
In light of these developments, the Rwandan government emphasizes the need for international recognition of the roots of the ongoing violence in eastern DR Congo. They argue that misunderstandings persist regarding the ethnic dimensions of the conflict, tying the historical grievances of Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese citizens to the uprising. Recent UN resolutions condemned M23’s advances but failed to address fundamental issues fueling the conflict.
The M23’s recruitment drive in Bukavu highlights the ongoing instability in eastern DR Congo, as the group gains support and integrates defectors from the national army. The situation remains complicated by external influences, particularly from neighboring Burundi. Calls for dialogue and reassessment of governance issues underscore the urgency for a sustainable resolution to the conflict, amidst a backdrop of rising violence and ethnic tensions.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
