The M23 rebel group is actively recruiting in Bukavu following a violent attack attributed to the Kinshasa regime, with significant participation from local youth. Rebel leadership encourages enlistment amid the integration of surrendered government forces, reflecting a strategic shift. Accusations regarding Burundian involvement in the attack complicate the ongoing situation as the UN calls for peace amid persistent ethnic tensions.
The M23 rebel group is currently executing a significant recruitment initiative in Bukavu, as confirmed by spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka. This announcement followed a tragic terrorist attack at a rebel rally that resulted in 13 fatalities and over 70 injuries. The assailants have been blamed on the government in Kinshasa, with the attack occurring shortly after the rebels captured the city of Bukavu on February 15.
On social media, Kanyuka shared a video illustrating a large turnout at a rally in Bukavu, encouraging young men to enlist and support efforts toward national liberation. Rebel leader Corneille Nangaa and military commander Gen Bernard Byamungu amplified calls for youth registration, leading to an overwhelming response. Kanyuka stated that all recruits are adults who volunteered to join.
The M23 has also incorporated hundreds of Congolese government troops who surrendered into their ranks. Approximately 2,100 police officers and 890 soldiers transitioned to the rebel group shortly after the capture of Goma, illustrating the ongoing shifts in power dynamics in the region. This action underscores the growing momentum of the M23 amid military losses faced by the Congolese armed forces.
Following the terrorist attack, senior rebel leader Bertrand Bisimwa accused the Burundian army of involvement, particularly regarding the explosives used. He addressed that investigations pointed to the involvement of Burundian military personnel coalition forces supporting the Congolese government. The situation reflects a complicated web of alliances and hostilities presently present in eastern DR Congo.
In addition to the violence, long-standing governance issues and regional conflicts are exacerbated by the participation of various militia groups, including FDLR remnants from the Rwandan genocide. Amid these challenges, calls for ceasefire and dialogues have emerged from international leaders, yet effective resolutions remain elusive as violence persists in the region.
While the United Nations Security Council has condemned the rise of AFC/M23 advances, essential root issues, including ongoing ethnic extremism and systemic injustices faced by Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese communities, were not adequately addressed. President Paul Kagame has characterized the situation as an ethnic conflict that must be approached with serious consideration of the rights of all involved parties.
In summary, the M23’s recruitment drive in Bukavu signals a shift in control amid escalating violence attributed to the Congolese army coalition. The group’s integration of surrendered troops emphasizes a growing influence, notwithstanding international calls for a ceasefire and dialogue. The complexity of regional relations, including accusations against neighboring nations, and the absence of a fundamental resolution to underlying issues continues to fuel the crisis in eastern DR Congo.
Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw
