In Butembo, eastern DRC, protests erupted against Rwanda and ongoing negotiations with M23 rebels, perceived as a distraction from local security needs. Demonstrators expressed solidarity with the Congolese armed forces, urging for military action against the rebels and denouncing the violence perpetrated by the ADF. The protests signify deep-seated frustrations and fears regarding external influences and the impact on national sovereignty and security.
In the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), particularly in Butembo, hundreds of demonstrators recently took to the streets to voice their discontent with Rwanda and express their opposition to ongoing negotiations involving rebel groups. Protesters expressed their solidarity with the Congolese armed forces and called for decisive military actions against the M23 rebels, alleged to be supported by Rwanda. Frank Mukendi, a demonstrator, emphasized, “We stand behind them, we support them… Our regions are occupied, and that is why we are asking them to reject any order to withdraw without justification, especially politically motivated messages.” This surge of public frustration coincides with diplomatic discussions underway in Luanda aimed at addressing the conflict in the region. Muhindo Shafi, from civil society, criticized Rwanda’s claims regarding the presence of FDLR members in the DRC as a distraction, urging the government to bolster support for the Congolese army, known as FARDC, for the sake of achieving lasting peace. Furthermore, the protests also spotlighted the horrific violence inflicted upon civilians by the terrorist group ADF, particularly in areas like North Kivu, where over 17,000 deaths have reportedly occurred since 2014. Protester Rose Kahavu vehemently stated, “We say enough is enough. Provide all necessary means to the FARDC… Today, I am protesting to say no to negotiations.” Joint military operations involving both Congolese and Ugandan forces are presently in effect, though the efforts have yet to successfully quell the violence. Recently, during a meeting with Ugandan military officials, Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi directed a strengthened military collaboration between the DRC and Uganda to combat regional insecurity effectively.
The situation in eastern DRC has been marked by prolonged conflict involving various armed groups, the most notable being the M23 rebels and the ADF. Allegations against Rwanda for providing support to the M23 rebels have exacerbated tensions, prompting a significant public outcry and calls for military action. Civil society groups have highlighted the dire humanitarian crises resulting from ongoing violence, particularly illustrated by the actions of the ADF in North Kivu. Diplomatic attempts to negotiate peace have been met with distrust from local populations, who fear that negotiations may undermine military efforts against these rebel factions.
The protests in Butembo reflect the growing frustration among the local populace regarding the ongoing violence and perceived external interference in the DRC’s sovereignty. The demonstrators firmly oppose any negotiations that may dilute military actions against the M23 rebels and emphasize the need for stronger support for the Congolese armed forces. While military collaborations with Uganda have been initiated, the situation remains precarious as efforts to ensure security in the region continue.
Original Source: www.africanews.com
