DRC: why tension is rising in Goma as military pressure increases around the city

Residents gather during a protest against the East African Community Regional Force in Goma on February 6, 2023. AFP - -

Text by: Paulina Zidi Follow

3 mins

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as fighting between the DRC Armed Forces and the M23 rebellion draws closer to Goma, tension is mounting in the provincial capital of North Kivu.

The local population criticizes in particular the force of the East African Community (EAC) deployed in the city for not going on the attack.

An attitude of the troops of the EAC which is explained by limited means and diplomatic risks.

Decryption.

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In Goma, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the pressure has been high this week.

In the streets, a mobilization of civil society took place to ask the East African Community Force (EAC) deployed in the region, and more particularly, the Kenyan contingent, to intervene against the M23 rebels.

Rebellion which puts pressure on the Congolese army.

The fighting this week has moved closer to Saké, the last major town before Goma, on the west side.

Since the capture of Kitchanga by the M23 on January 26, the front has indeed descended along the road linking Sake to Butembo, to freeze about ten kilometers north of the city.

On February 9, 2023, the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) announced that they had foiled a rebel offensive that tried to bypass its positions, according to the army spokesman in North Kivu.

Demonstrations that degenerated

Clashes that cause large population movements, especially towards Goma.

A situation that creates tension.

► See also DRC: Goma welcomes new arrivals fleeing army fighting against M23

This week, demonstrations have thus called on the East African force, and especially the Kenyan contingent deployed in the provincial capital, to take part in the fighting against the M23.

Demonstrations which degenerated since there was violence and looting of an inter-community nature.

Faced with this situation, the former Kenyan president, current EAC mediator for the security crisis in eastern DRC, Uhuru Kenyatta, urged, in a press release published on February 9, 2023, the member countries of the East African community participating in the Regional Force to deploy their troops, which must take position " 

".

Uhuru Kenyatta also asks the regional force to intervene between the fighting forces in the areas where the withdrawal of armed groups has been carried out.

► Read also: The presidents of the DRC and Rwanda at an unsuccessful summit of East African states

No EAC military offensive

But, for the moment, the FARDC seem to be alone on the front line.

Clearly, the military option is not the first option considered by the EAC.

First reason: resources are limited.

The Kenyan contingent deployed in Goma comprises 903 men.

As a reminder, in 2013, the intervention brigade that routed the M23 had 3,000 men and much greater resources.

The financing of this force has also not been finalized and it lacks armament in the face of an M23 which is said to be well equipped and above all supported for Rwanda, according to the UN, Western chancelleries, American diplomacy, the European Union and other…

Which leads to the second reason: “ 

 Several specialists in the area answer this question rather negatively.

And they believe that, ultimately, there is a misunderstanding between the Congolese authorities and the region: offensive force against interposition force.

And this difference in perception is what ultimately gives rise to this disappointment on the part of the populations.

“ 

 ,” concludes an observer from the region.

Nevertheless, if ever Goma is threatened, " 

 ", explains another analyst.

" 

", according to him.

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• ground floor

• M23

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