DRC: Tshisekedi reassures nation as M23 rebels advance further in Kivu

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Félix Tshisekedi has assured protesting Congolese nationals that his government will do everything within its power to recapture captured territories as M23 rebels made further advances towards North Kivu province.

On Friday, M23 rebels advanced in Lubero territory, North Kivu province after capturing Luofu and Kayna towns as well as FARDC’s military camp of Kasando (4 kilometres from Kirumba town). This was after capturing Kanyabayonga town and surrounding areas of Miriki and Kimaka following a month of fighting with Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) soldiers and coalition.

While in Kanyabayonga, the M23 rebels addressed civilians who were brave enough to stay. 

“After Kanyabayonga, Kayna, Kirumba, Luofu and others… In the city centre of Butembo, the population is waiting for us, we are already in the strategic military camp of Kasando, where we have recovered important munitions abandoned by the coalition government of Kinshasa”, claimed Lt Col Willy Ngoma, M23 spokesperson.

The latest advance of rebels sparked protests on the street among civilians, who accused FARDC soldiers led by Maj Gen Chiko Tshitambwe, commander of the Northern Front of being unserious. Tshisekedi chaired the security emergency meeting held at African Union City in Kinshasa. 

After the meeting, Tshisekedi addressed the nation and expressed his determination to defend the national territory and restore peace in eastern DRC. He described what happened in Kanyabayonga and other areas in North Kivu province as blatant aggression against national sovereignty and the peace of the people.  

“What is happening in Kanyabayonga, in Kayina in the villages of South Lubero as well as in the territories of Rutshuru, Nyirangongo, and Masisi constitutes a blatant aggression against our national sovereignty and the peace of our people. In my capacity as president of the republic and supreme commander of the FARDC and the police, I would like to assure you of my unwavering determination to defend our entire territory and restore peace.”

He added, “In my capacity as guarantor of the nation, I can assure you that this situation is close to my heart and that nothing will stop my determination to provide appropriate and urgent solutions.”

Close to five months after the deployment of foreign troops under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in North Kivu province, no success has been registered in pushing M23 from the captured positions.  

In March 2022, M23, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and General Sultan Makenga, initiated a conflict against the government.  The DRC government accuses Rwanda of supporting M23, although both Rwanda and M23 vehemently deny these claims. The rebels assert that they are fighting against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the leadership of DRC.