The unholy alliance of the Congolese armed forces (FARDC), FDLR, Mai-Mai Nyatura, and PCLS have continued to violate a ceasefire (under the conditions of the Luanda Peace Accord) by continuously attacking the positions of the M23. Thus the latter have to defend themselves, meaning that the Tshisekedi regime has zero interest in peaceful resolution of conflict.
The attacks by Tshisekedi’s unholy alliance – in reality the real terrorists that hamper peace – was carried out during the weekend.
By escalating the conflict, the truth becomes inescapable: Tshisekedi only wants to put off next year’s elections, so he can rule without having to be subjected to an election he knows he cannot win.
This past weekend, the coalition of FARDC, FDLR, Mai-Mai Nyatura, PCLS, and a cocktail of other local armed groups attacked M23 positions around Rusekera in North Kivu, forcing M23 movement fighters to respond in self-defense. There have been many other attacks like these before, which have made it difficult for the M23 movement to honor their commitment to disengage and effect a gradual withdrawal to allow peace talks to take place according to the Luanda and Nairobi peace mechanisms.
If the region and the international community are indeed keen on implementing lasting peace in eastern Congo, they must be assertive enough to call out the Kinshasa regime on their unbecoming conduct and negative attitude towards the peace mechanisms. Tshisekedi and his cronies cannot be allowed to violate every element of the peace mechanisms with impunity and expect the outcome to be lasting peace. The M23 movement has shown goodwill and commitment to peace, as long as they are assured of the safety and security of the Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese. Regional and international leaders must therefore build on this show of goodwill and act in fairness toward sustainable peace in eastern DRC.
If Tshisekedi’s undisciplined and corrupt armed forces and their FDLR and Mai-Mai Nyatura allies continue to violate the ceasefire with impunity, this will not only jeopardize the efforts and resources invested in the peace process but will escalate the conflict beyond eastern Congo. For the M23 movement to implement their withdrawal and disengagement plan, there have to be assurances that they will not be attacked from the rear as FARDC seek to exploit their vulnerability.