In Bukavu, Congolese police defect to the M23 rebel group amid unrest as they prepare for retraining. The M23’s territorial advances have raised fears of broader conflict, prompting UN Security Council intervention. Local skepticism about the rebels’ intentions intensifies, as the Congolese government designates M23 as a terrorist organization. Regional defense chiefs stress the need for dialogue while the Congolese government remains resistant to negotiation.
On Saturday, large crowds of Congolese police officers in Bukavu switched allegiance to the M23 rebel group, singing and clapping as they prepared for retraining under the rebels’ authority. This shift follows the M23’s recent advance into the city, which experienced significant unrest and looting as Congolese forces withdrew without resistance.
The M23’s territorial gains in eastern Congo, alongside access to valuable mineral deposits, have intensified fears of an escalating conflict, prompting the United Nations Security Council to unanimously demand the cessation of hostilities and withdrawal. However, in Bukavu, the presence of gathered police officers in new uniforms shows no indications of compliance with this call for peace.
Approximately 1,800 police officers have surrendered to the M23 and are set to undergo retraining, with an additional 500 expected to follow. Police Commander Jackson Kamba expressed his hope that the returning officers would effectively support the rebels to “continue to liberate our country.”
The crisis in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo continues to escalate, marked by tensions between the Congolese government and the M23 rebel group. The government has classified the M23 as a terrorist organization, while international bodies, including the United Nations, recognize it as an armed rebel group.
Local sentiments reflect skepticism regarding the M23’s impact on Bukavu, with residents noting that the group has disrupted civic life. Josue Kayeye, a resident, remarked that the presence of the rebels has paralyzed daily activities despite some resurgence.
Congolese troops currently face challenges on multiple fronts, notably losing control of areas like Minembwe to a Tutsi militia alleged to be allied with the M23. This situation escalated following the death of the militia’s leader, Colonel Makanika, due to a Congolese drone strike.
In response to the deteriorating situation, East African defense leaders convened in Nairobi to address the crisis. An internal report indicates that there is a lack of clarity regarding the situation on the ground, and they emphasized the need for dialogue among all parties involved.
The government of Congo has persistently declined offers to negotiate with the M23. This group, led by ethnic Tutsis, adds to a history of armed factions claiming to represent Tutsi interests in Congo, while the M23 and Rwanda maintain that they are not proxies for one another and reject accusations of looting resources in the region.
The recent defection of Congolese police to the M23 rebel group highlights the escalating crisis in eastern Congo, where significant unrest continues alongside territorial gains by rebels. With international calls for peace going unheeded, tensions remain high as the Congolese government refuses to engage in dialogue with the M23. The situation poses threats of further destabilization and unrest in the region as various armed factions vie for control and influence.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
