DRC: fighting between army and M23 confirms the new failure of a plan to withdraw rebels

[Illustrative image] M23 rebels in eastern DRC. © REUTERS - James Akena

Text by: Paulina Zidi Follow

2 min

In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), fighting between the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) and the M23 shows the new failure of a rebel withdrawal plan. It was to begin on March 30, 2023, according to a roadmap established by the chiefs of staff of the East African force.

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March 30, 2023, was the new deadline set for the total withdrawal of the M23 movement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A rebellion supported by Rwanda according to the United Nations and which took control of part of the province of North Kivu.

This date was decided by the Chiefs of Staff of the East African Force (EAC) on 5 February 2023 and was validated during discussions on the sidelines of the African Union summit in mid-February in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

With the ceasefire that has never really been respected on the ground, it is therefore a new failure for this roadmap to end the crisis.

Ugandan and South Sudanese contingents expected in eastern DRC

Since Thursday morning, heavy fighting has been underway between the Congolese army and the M23 on the Kitshanga-Mweso axis, according to several sources. The ceasefire that was supposed to come into effect at noon on 7 March has never been respected, and these new clashes prove it once again.

Regarding the withdrawal of the M23 from the occupied areas, the rebels are currently still visible in a large part of North Kivu province. Bertrand Bisimwa, one of the leaders of the movement, acknowledges this himself in a tweet published on March 30.

► Read also DRC: Ugandan forces must deploy soon in Bunagana

We are therefore far from the total and massive withdrawal envisaged last February. The chiefs of staff of the EAC also recorded this situation on Friday during a meeting in Bujumbura. For them, the delay is mainly due to the delay in the deployment of Ugandan and South Sudanese troops. These are the last contingents expected in North Kivu and they must, alongside Kenyans and Burundians, occupy the positions liberated by the M23. Two contingents announced very soon on Congolese territory, according to the EAC.

Already on 29 March, the entry of Ugandan troops through Bunagana was imminent. That is not the case this morning. Talks with the rebels continue.

Nevertheless, Ugandan officials have been clear about the mission of their soldiers. Lt. Gen. Muhanga, the commander of the ground forces, said yesterday that this East African force "will not attack the belligerents, but it will witness and ensure the implementation of the decisions taken by the heads of state." No offensive operation therefore to expect from these military reinforcements.

► Read also East of the DRC: the UN Security Council condemns the upsurge of violence

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Read on on the same topics:

• DRC
• M23
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• Diplomacy
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