A large number of Congolese police officers who defected to the M23 rebel group were seen singing and clapping in the occupied city of Bukavu on Saturday, as they prepared for retraining under the leadership of the Rwandan-supported rebels, who are determined to establish their presence and governance.
The M23 rebels made significant advances into the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s second-largest city a week ago, an event that triggered looting and unrest following the unopposed withdrawal of Congolese forces.
The M23’s takeover of extensive areas in eastern Congo, along with its control over valuable mineral resources, has raised concerns about the potential for a broader conflict, prompting the U.N. Security Council to unanimously call for an end to hostilities and a withdrawal on Friday.
In Bukavu, there was little indication that this appeal would be acknowledged. The gathered police, donned in freshly issued uniforms and black berets, were informed that they would depart for a brief training period before returning to assist the M23.
“May you return to us in good condition so that we can collectively continue the liberation of our nation,” stated police commander Jackson Kamba.
According to Lawrence Kanyuka, a spokesperson for the AFC rebel alliance, which encompasses the M23, approximately 1,800 police officers have already surrendered and are set to undergo retraining, with an additional 500 expected to follow suit.
The Congolese government has yet to provide a response to the request for comment.
Many residents have voiced doubts regarding the project. Josue Kayeye, a local resident, stated, “The M23’s presence in Bukavu has brought life in the entire region to a standstill, although some activities are gradually restarting in various forms. We cannot support actions taken by force.”
CONFLICT ON SEVERAL FRONTS.
Congolese forces are facing significant challenges on several fronts. The town of Minembwe, located in the mountainous region of South Kivu, along with its airfield, was seized on Friday by a Tutsi militia reportedly associated with the M23, according to a local official, a military source, and a U.N. representative. This development follows the recent death of Colonel Makanika, the militia’s leader, who was killed by a Congolese military drone.
On Friday, defense chiefs from East Africa convened in Nairobi to address the ongoing crisis. An internal report from the meeting, which was reviewed by Reuters, indicated that the group acknowledged the lack of a “clear picture of the situation on the ground” in light of the escalating conflict and the M23’s control over key cities and airports.
The report highlighted the importance of direct dialogue among all parties involved in the conflict.
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Congo has consistently declined to participate in discussions with the M23.
The M23, an ethnic Tutsi-led group, is the most recent in a series of Rwandan-supported factions that have taken up arms under the banner of Tutsi interests in Congo. Both the M23 and Rwanda deny Congo’s accusations of being a Rwandan proxy aimed at exploiting the region’s gold and coltan resources.
