A significant number of Congolese police have defected to the M23 rebel group in Bukavu, ongoing unrest has accompanied their takeover. The United Nations Security Council has called for the rebels to halt operations, yet local sentiment is skeptical, and the Congolese government remains resistant to dialogue. Recent military losses for the Congolese government exacerbate the crisis, with neighboring regional discussions highlighting the need for engagement.
Hundreds of Congolese police officers have defected to the M23 rebel group in Bukavu, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Their shift occurred amidst unrest and looting, as Congolese forces retreated without resistance. The M23 has taken control of significant areas and mineral wealth in the region, leading to rising concerns about an escalation of conflict and prompting a unanimous call from the UN Security Council for the rebels to cease hostilities and withdraw.
In Bukavu, the police, now in new uniforms and black berets, prepared for retraining under M23 authority. Police Commander Jackson Kamba encouraged the officers, stating, “May you come back to us in good shape so that together we can continue to liberate our country.” Approximately 1,800 police have surrendered, with 500 more expected to follow, as reported by AFC rebel alliance spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka.
Local residents express skepticism regarding the M23’s governance. Josue Kayeye noted that M23’s presence has heavily disrupted local life, and he stated, “We cannot applaud anything done by force.” The DRC military faces numerous challenges, including the loss of Minembwe to a Tutsi militia allegedly linked to M23, following the death of its leader.
East African defense chiefs convened in Nairobi to address the crisis. Their internal report highlighted an unclear situation in the affected areas, amid M23’s occupation. They stressed the necessity for direct dialogue among all conflict parties, despite Congo’s refusal to negotiate with the rebels.
The ethnically Tutsi-led M23 is the latest group to emerge in the ongoing conflict linked to Tutsi representation in Congo. Both M23 and Rwanda deny claims that they are collaborating to exploit the region’s natural resources, such as gold and coltan.
The situation in eastern DRC is increasingly volatile, with M23 rebels exerting influence after police defections. The rebels’ control over resources, the government’s designation of M23 as terrorists, and local dissent contribute to the complexities of the ongoing crisis. Despite international calls for dialogue and cessation of violence, Congo’s refusal to negotiate complicates efforts towards resolution.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
