Escalating Crisis in Eastern Congo as Police Defect to M23 Rebels
Hundreds of Congolese police have joined the M23 rebels in Bukavu, marking a troubling escalation in eastern Congo. The M23’s occupation has sparked fears of broader conflict, despite calls for ceasefire from the UN. Local residents express skepticism about the rebels’ impact on daily life, while military pressures mount on Congolese forces.
On Saturday, numerous policemen in Bukavu city, Democratic Republic of Congo, transitioned to the M23 rebel faction, engaging in jubilant songs and clapping as they prepared for retraining organized by the insurgents. This event followed the M23 rebels’ recent occupation of the city, which saw significant chaos and looting after the departure of Congolese forces, who retreated without resistance.
The capture of eastern Congo’s strategic regions has intensified concerns regarding a broader conflict, prompting the United Nations Security Council to unanimously call for the M23 to halt hostilities and withdraw. However, signs in Bukavu indicate that this appeal is being disregarded, as nearly 1,800 police officers have opted to join the M23 and undergo retraining in new uniforms.
During the event, Police Commander Jackson Kamba expressed hopes that the officers would return from training ready to aid in further liberation efforts. The spokesperson for the M23-affiliated AFC rebel coalition, Lawrence Kanyuka, reported that 1,800 police had joined the rebels, with an additional 500 expected to follow suit, while the government of the DRC remained silent on the matter.
Local residents have voiced skepticism regarding the M23’s presence, observing that the arrival of the rebels has severely disrupted life in the region, despite some activities restarting. One resident articulated concerns, stating, “We cannot applaud anything done by force.”
Congolese military forces are currently facing challenges on multiple fronts, including the recent takeover of Minembwe and its airfield by a Tutsi militia allegedly linked to the M23. Consequently, East African defense leaders convened in Nairobi to deliberate on the ongoing crisis, highlighting a lack of clarity concerning the evolving situation and urging direct engagement among all conflicting parties.
The DRC government has historically rejected the notion of negotiations with the M23, which is accused of being a proxy force for Rwanda. The M23, along with Rwanda, has denied such allegations, insisting their motivations are not related to the exploitation of eastern Congo’s mineral wealth.
In summary, the shift of numerous Congolese police officers to the M23 rebel group in Bukavu highlights the escalating turmoil in eastern Congo. The United Nations’ calls for de-escalation appear ineffective as local concerns mount about the disruption of daily life. The complexities of the regional conflict underscore the urgent need for dialogue among all involved parties, although the DRC government remains reluctant to engage in negotiations with the M23.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
