The east of DRC is currently under the effective control of the East Africa Community Regional Forces-EACRF, after the deployment of all troops as stipulated by the Luanda and Nairobi peace frameworks. What this means is that the Kinshasa regime should cooperate with the EACRF for the duration of the implementation of the peace process as the regional framework stipulates.
However, the behaviour of the Kinshasa regime gives the impression that they want to continue imposing their full authority without minding that this could frustrate the peace process implementation by the EACRF.
As if they are oblivious of the presence of the EACRF, the Kinshasa regime authorities have persisted with acting immaturely and making utterances that are contemptuous to the regional peace initiative.
For instance, recently when the Ugandan troops took over Bunagana from the M23 as per the Luanda and Nairobi peace mechanisms directions, the FARDC and their allies tried to march to occupy the area, even when they knew from experience that this would jeopardise the smooth withdrawal. Following this incident, the regime’s spokesperson, Patrick Muyaya told the media that the Kinshasa regime has no intention of negotiating with the M23!
This statement from a senior official of the regime sends a worrying message because the regional and the international community are all banking on the goodwill of the regime to act in a manner that will make their efforts worthwhile.
More worrying though is that Muyaya’s statement confirms information doing the rounds that Tshisekedi is stockpiling in preparation for a big war that could plunge the region into devastating turmoil.