Protesters in Butembo, eastern DRC, demonstrated against Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23 rebels and opposed negotiations with them. They expressed strong support for the Congolese armed forces and condemned ongoing massacres by the ADF. The protestors demand military action against the rebels and a rejection of negotiations that could undermine their security. Civil society members echoed skepticism towards Rwanda’s claims regarding the presence of the FDLR as a distraction from addressing local violence.
On Tuesday, protesters in Butembo, situated in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), rallied against the perceived influence of Rwanda in the ongoing conflict, particularly the support for the M23 rebel group. The demonstrators, numbering in the hundreds, voiced their unwavering support for the Congolese armed forces, the FARDC, and vehemently opposed any negotiations with the rebels currently taking place in Luanda, aimed at resolving the regional conflict. Frank Mukendi, a leader among the protesters, articulated their stance, declaring, “We stand behind them, we support them, and we call on them to launch offensives. From today, we intend to work with them to fight the enemy. Our regions are occupied, and that is why we are asking them. We also ask them to reject any order to withdraw without justification, especially politically motivated messages.” The ire of the protesters was fueled by Rwanda’s assertions regarding the presence of the FDLR (Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda) in the DRC, a narrative criticized by local civil society figures such as Muhindo Shafi. He contended that “Rwanda claims every day that there are FDLR members in the DRC and that we need to track them down. That’s Rwanda’s daily argument, but I see it as a total distraction, which is why we keep asking our government to support our republican army, the FARDC, for lasting peace.” Additionally, the protesters condemned the atrocities committed by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in North Kivu, which have resulted in a staggering death toll exceeding 17,000 since October 2014. Rose Kahavu, another protester, expressed her outrage, stating, “We are being massacred in Beni, in the Lubero territory. We say enough is enough. Provide all necessary means to the FARDC so they can strike against the M23 and ADF rebels. Today, I am protesting to say no to negotiations.” Despite ongoing military operations involving both the Congolese and Ugandan armed forces, violence persists in the region. Recently, during a meeting with Ugandan military officials, President Félix Tshisekedi emphasized the necessity of enhancing military collaboration between the DRC and Uganda to address the ongoing security crisis.
The ongoing conflict in the eastern DRC has long been exacerbated by external influences, particularly from neighboring Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting local rebel groups such as the M23. The situation is further complicated by the presence of various armed factions, including the ADF, which have inflicted severe violence on local populations. Protests expressing frustration towards both Rwanda’s involvement and the talks aimed at negotiating with these rebel groups reflect the deep-rooted anger and demands for governmental and military action from the Congolese populace. The DRC government has been under pressure to intensify its military efforts to combat these threats and to ensure the safety and stability of its citizens.
The recent protests in Butembo underline the growing frustration among the Congolese populace regarding the persistent violence and external influences in their region. Rallying behind the FARDC, the demonstrators have proclaimed their opposition to attempts at negotiating with the M23 rebels, demanding instead a robust military response. As negotiations continue in Luanda, the voices of the protesters signal a critical need for effective action to address the security challenges facing the DRC.
Original Source: www.africanews.com
