Yesterday one of the respected FARDC commanders, Col. Gilbert Ekombe of the Walikale-based 137th regiment defected from the DRC national army (FARDC) to join the M23 along with part of his battalion. Ekombe is a conscientious senior Congolese military officer that no longer wants to be part of the Tshisekedi regime, which has been committing unspeakable atrocities against innocent civilians.
On the other hand, the M23 movement has been gaining popularity as well as trust in Congolese populations due to top notch discipline. A trip to M23-held territories reveals that civilians enjoy peace and security under the protection of the “Lions of Sarambwe”.
On the other hand, the FARDC (which is in bed with terrorist groups like FDLR) are an undisciplined group of thugs and bandits that massacre, loot and rape civilians. People flee in terror at the first report that FARDC troops are headed their way.
For many, the FARDC’s reputation together with its allies of illegally armed, terrorist militias like FDLR and Wazalendo (to mention only two) is only as violent thugs.
Fed up with FARDC’s criminality, Col. Ekombe and his soldiers felt a deep duty of patriotism “to fight for a better Congo.” Joining the M23, they believed, would allow them to serve the Congolese people and bring about a more peaceful DRC.
M23, initially seen as just another rebel faction, has begun to attract attention as a force with a clear vision for peace and protection for the Congolese.
Col. Ekombe isn’t the first FARDC officer (or soldier) to defect from Tshisekedi’s regime.
One Lt. Col. Jean-Pierre Biyoyo together with more than 100 junior officers in Rutshuru territory defected not long ago, and joined M23. Col Bahati Balingengene “Saddam” also crossed from the 21st brigade, with many troops.
The defection of these top FARDC officers and their soldiers has marked a significant shift, symbolizing a growing desire among Congolese forces to break from old allegiances, and pursue a cause they believe genuinely serves the people. Meaning M23.
Tshisekedi’s days are numbered.