
“The Congolese government has indicated in a statement that from now on M23 will be considered a terrorist movement and excluded from the Nairobi peace process after fighting escalated north of the capital of Nord -Kivu Goma” (…) “5 soldiers of the Rwandan forces were captured by the FARDC Saturday, May 28, 2022 in the province of Nord-Kivu we learned from a security source then fighting between the army between the rebels M23 continue on ground at Rutshuru and Nyiragongo” (Kivu Morning Post, 28.05.2022).
The origin of Mouvement du Mars 23 (M23) is a hectic one, but there is two common denominators. That being the high ranking officials in Kigali and Kampala who at various of times has supported, worked and funded the M23. That has been reported and after the Nairobi Peace Process, the parties in question had M23 fighters and soldiers in cantonment in their respective countries. Especially, there was sites built for M23 in Kisoro and Kasese at times. Therefore, it could easily be suspected that there is certain incentives for the high ranking officials in these countries.
M23 and the neighbours has been in-connection for years. That Kigali and Kampala has a history with the organization and been supporting is a fact. Both parties has recruited, trained and helped with logistics. That has been proven in United Nations Experts Reports on insecurity and militias inside of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). That’s why we know there is a possibility for them to intervene or have a say in the running of it.
The leaders of Kigali and Kampala has to answer for Kinshasa in the sense of new return of M23, which is only becoming worse in Nord-Kivu. M23 really resumed their operational work in the end of March 2022 and has created havoc ever since. They promised to takeover vast areas and be a vital force of the region. Therefore, the FARDC and MONUSCO has a huge trouble to contain it. Especially, if it is directly supported by neighbouring countries as well.
It doesn’t help the case of Rwanda, that the FARDC is able to intercept and apprehend 5 soldiers with their Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) cards on it’s territory. That’s just validates the claims of interference and participation in the new usage of M23. We just have to wonder, if Kigali or Kampala will take any responsibility.
What we do know… is that Kigali has dismissed it and said “no” in a statement today. While in Kampala, the first son and Commander of Land Forces has supported more fighting within the DRC. Also, had a call with the President that he wasn’t ordered to use any personal army or soldiers to fight “criminals” within the DRC. Just showing how the UPDF is operating and how it’s all a family affair, which shows how the Kampala does it.
The way Kinshasa has reacted is more direct and less diplomatic than in the past. This is maybe because the DRC needs to show they can keep it’s integrity and strength ahead of the future polls. That the incumbent President and party needs to show they are capable of quelling insecurity. While vilifying a former insurgent and a nation of hostility is a publicity move. Also, with the knowledge of the connection between Kigali and M23. Just like it has to Kampala as well, if Kinshasa needs to address their grievances elsewhere in the future.
It is striking the outcry and reaction to M23. These sorts of activities has been going on for years. Now, it’s M23, but there been plenty of other militias who has worked in similar fashion in Nord-Kivu. There are plenty of other militias who causes a concern, violence and murders on a regular. They have their territories and earning profits on the mineral exploitation there. Therefore, M23 is just the biggest threat right now. Nevertheless, there more and FARDC with allies needs to settle this. They need to combat it and ensure peace. Even as the neighbours are possibly not respecting the sovereign and the integrity of the DRC. Peace.
















