2024-01-29 19:23:33
Serious accusation against Rwanda, with M23 and the RDF: The FARDC Spokesperson condemns the violations of International Humanitarian Law and bombings in Mweso. | Military strategy in the heart of Virunga Park: How Rwanda with the RDF uses the terrain to infiltrate the DRC using guerrilla tactics.
Goma (RDC), 25/01/ 2024 – Lieutenant Colonel Ndjike Kaiko Guillaume, spokesperson for the 34th Military Region of the Armed Force of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC)strongly condemned the terrorist group M23 and the Rwanda Defense Force (RDF) of Kagame Paul, President of Rwanda, during a press conference. This declaration follows a serious violation of international humanitarian law perpetrated by these groups.
In Mweso, after a defeat [1] facing loyalist forces – made up of the FARDC, the Burundi Defense Force (FDNB), South African National Defense Force (SANDF), Tanzania People’s Defense Force (TPDF), Malawi Defense Force (FDM) and young local trackers Patriots [2] – the M23, in its flight, bombarded the town of Mweso with 120 mm mortars, killing 19 civilians and injuring 27 others, including an M23 terrorist currently being treated at Mweso hospital.
Virunga National Park, with an area of 7,900 km², is a terrain frequently used by the APR to infiltrate the DRC. By crossing the mountains of the region which separate Rwanda and the DRC, notably Karisimbi, Mikeno and Sabinyo, the APR forces reached the Rutshuru region, where the local language, close to Kinyarwanda, facilitates their integration and recruitment of local guides. However, this tactic cost the lives of many young people in the region, used as cannon fodder by the RPA.
From Virunga Park, the RDF units, which became M23, dispersed like guerrillas, some remaining in the park, others in Masisi and Rutshuru, opening several fronts and sowing confusion among the inhabitants. However, their presence is limited to certain areas, and loyalist forces, well informed of these tactics, manage to surprise them regularly. Faced with these losses, Rwanda is hoping for a ceasefire negotiated by the USA to integrate these forces into the FARDC, with the aim of long-term destabilization of Kivu.
In the Masisi region, the presence of RDF/M23 terrorists limited to certain specific areas. According to the latest reports, these terrorists are not active only in a small part of Masisi. They are located precisely in Kirorirwe, on the road linking Kitshanga, Burungu and Mweso – where they were recently pushed back. Their presence is also confirmed in Kilolirwe, Mushaki, as well as on the road extending to Burungu and Kitshanga. On the other hand, in the majority of sectors of Masisi, notably in Ufamandu, Katoyi, Nyabiondo and around the lake, no APR/M23 activity has been reported.
The situation in Rutshuru is similar : only a small portion of the region is affected by the activities of the M23 terrorists, supported by the USA, NATO and Rwanda. Reliable sources confirm the absence of these groups on the Binza axis, passing through Wenda, Giseguru, Gashuguru, Yamili, Ishasha, Yagakoma, and along the main road after Mabenga, Vitshumbi, Kibirizi, Nyanzale, and Kayabayoga. Thus, the information circulating on an alleged capture of Rutshuru by the M23 is categorically denied and qualified as false news..
In the Nyiragongo region, the M23’s influence is restricted to a narrow 3 km strip around Kibumba, while Kanyamahoro remains beyond their reach. On the other hand, Virunga National Park seems to be a hotspot where the activity of this armed terrorist group of the RDF is particularly dense, thus posing a major security challenge in this area with rich but fragile biodiversity.
According to several intellectuals in the region, this destabilization of eastern DRC is a geopolitical strategy aimed at countering the influence of the “Chinese Silk Road” in the African Great Lakes, involving the USA and NATO through Rwanda.
NOTES :
[1] Burundi, DRC, SANDF: Expulsion of M23 / Rwanda / USA terrorists from Mweso, North Kivu – https://burundi-agnews.org/globalisation/burundi-rdc-sandf-expulsion-des-terroristes-m23-rwanda-usa- de-mweso-north-kivu/
[2] The Wazalendo (patriots) are young people who have had minimal military training. They have the function, with the local police or the FARDC army, of securing or defending their hill or village of origin. They are the true connoisseurs of the places, the corners of the Congolese hills and villages.
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Sources: Nahimana P., Monday January 29, 2024 | Photo: Congo Live TV
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