A senior FARDC (Congolese military) official was recently quoted making dubious claims that one of the armed groups fighting with them had ‘stolen’ new uniforms meant for the FARDC (and obviously its Rwandan terrorist allies FDLR). This announcement was met with derisive laughter by internet users? because the Kinshasa regime has achieved immense notoriety as pathological liars.
Despite public pronouncements by Tshisekedi, his Prime Minister (who is also foreign minister), and the army chief of staff declaring war on the M23 movement, the FARDC/FDLR have maintained that they are “observing Rwanda brokered ceasefire” (huh?). This despite evidence that they are actively participating in the ongoing attacks against the M23.
In total contempt and disregard of the ongoing peace process initiated by regional leaders and supported by the AU, UN, and the EU, the Kinshasa regime has resumed the fighting, disguising it as a campaign by “young patriots” whom they have called “Wazalendo.”
However, there is no shred of doubt that the Kinshasa regime is using the ‘Wazalendo’ as a smokescreen. Tshisekedi has mobilized the FARDC, FDLR, all Mai-Mai and Nyatura factions, PARECO, CODECO, Wazalendo, and mercenaries in what he hopes will help him achieve the objective of frustrating the upcoming elections.
More worrying is that on top of violating the regionally brokered ceasefire, Tshisekedi has also resumed his ethnic cleansing campaign, where Congolese Tutsi pastoralists are killed and their cattle stolen.
Multiple sources have confirmed that Tshisekedi is determined to ignite a conflict that will involve the entire region.