This Tuesday, February 28 should begin the withdrawal movement of the M23 rebellion from the occupied territories in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to the timetable set by the Chiefs of Defense Staff of the member countries of the East African Community (EAC), which was reiterated on February 17 by the Heads of State of the sub-region.
Some observers are already pointing to the lack of any sign of any withdrawal from an occupied locality.
On the contrary, denunciations are multiplying following the capture of the mining city of Rubaya, Sunday, February 26 by the same rebellion, after two days of intense fighting with the Congolese armed forces (FARDC). Rubaya, located in the east of the country, is a strategic city where tin ores are exploited in industrial quantities.
The M23, supported according to Kinshasa by Rwanda, therefore continues its operations to occupy localities, to the great displeasure of the recommendations of the EAC. What reinforce the call of the Congolese nationals who claim the departure of the regional forces of the territory of the DRC, considering that their presence is by no means for the interest of the natives.
The East African community had planned a “withdrawal of all armed groups” by March 30 in the eastern part of Congo which has been plagued by violence for three decades. On more than one occasion, the EAC has mentioned the withdrawal of the M23 by force if it does not comply, but on the ground nothing always happens as announced.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1067 of 02/28/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
