Last Saturday the regime of Felix Tshisekedi and the AFC/M23 movement signed a declaration of principles in Doha, under the mediation of Qatar. It was a step in the right direction.
But just days later, the Tshisekedi regime through its spokesperson Patrick Muyaya, reverted to its old habits: repeating tired propaganda that seeks to delegitimise the M23 as a Congolese rebel movement.
Muyaya once again alleged that the M23 is “supported and financed by Rwanda,” adding that the regime has already “met with the godfather of the M23.” These remarks are meant to distract and derail the peace process.
In truth, M23/AFC has survived and advanced because it exists for very legitimate reasons and because of DRC’s own internal failings. From the start of this conflict, the M23 has gained more from Tshisekedi’s disorganized and corrupt military coalition than from any outside actor. FARDC’s weapons are routinely sold off by its own officers. With limited resources, M23 has acquired arms on the black market, many of which were originally Congolese government property.
The deeper issue is that the Tshisekedi regime makes a fundamental mistake by always dragging Rwanda into the discussion every time M23/AFC is mentioned. The reality is that the movement exists because of the persecution of the Congolese Tutsi community. It is a response to discrimination, exclusion, and violence that have been tolerated, if not encouraged by those in power.
As long as Tshisekedi continues to back the genocidal FDLR and ignore the legitimate grievances of the Congolese Tutsi, the M23 will remain a reality. No amount of blame-shifting or propaganda will change that.
Now that the peace process has gained momentum, it is time for Tshisekedi and his regime to acknowledge the truth. M23 is a Congolese movement, made up of Congolese citizens. It is not an imported force, nor is it a proxy. It is the product of decades of state failure and persecution.
If lasting peace is to be achieved, the Tshisekedi regime must stop dismissing M23 as illegitimate and start addressing the root causes of this conflict. This includes recognizing the rights and dignity of all Congolese communities, including those who have long been marginalized.
Until then, Tshisekedi should know that propaganda alone will not win him this war.