M23 Expands Recruitment in Bukavu Amid Ongoing Violence and Tensions

The AFC/M23 has intensified its recruitment in Bukavu, DR Congo, following a deadly attack attributed to government forces during a rally. Rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka reported that the mobilization reflects transparency, as many youths enlisted after an appeal from a senior commander. Despite ongoing violence and investigations implicating Burundi, the group integrates surrendered soldiers, amplifying its strength amidst escalating regional tensions and a call for peaceful dialogue.

The AFC/M23 continues its substantial recruitment efforts in Bukavu, DR Congo as confirmed by their spokesperson, Lawrence Kanyuka. The recruitment follows a violent attack attributed to the government that killed 13 individuals during a rebel rally in the city, evidencing their operational transparency. On February 28, Kanyuka shared a video depicting a large gathering of youth responding to a call by General Bernard Byamungu for enlistment and participation in liberating the nation from perceived poor leadership.

In an intense atmosphere, youth rushed forward to join the cause after Byamungu encouraged them to contribute actively to the rebellion. The rebels also reported integrating surrendered government troops, with over 2,100 police officers and nearly 900 soldiers having joined their ranks by February 22, just after the capture of Goma earlier in January. The rapid influx of soldiers displays the mounting support for the AFC/M23 amidst an escalating conflict.

The aftermath of the attack saw senior rebel leader Bertrand Bisimwa pointing fingers at Burundi, alleging that the explosives used originated from the Burundian army. With over 10,000 Burundian troops allied with the Congolese government against the rebels, these claims highlight the complex regional dynamics affecting the conflict. The rebels assert that their campaign focuses on governance that prioritizes human rights and security for all Congolese citizens.

While international conversations continue, including a recent EAC-SADC joint summit calling for peace, the security situation remains precarious in South Kivu due to ongoing violence from the Congolese armed forces. As the rebels gained ground, securing Bukavu, they were welcomed by residents seeking stability, further demonstrating the deteriorating trust in government forces amid growing chaos.

The AFC/M23 rebellion has exacerbated existing ethnic tensions, with the Rwandan government emphasizing international indifference to the complex realities faced by Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese citizens. Despite a recent UN resolution condemning violence in the region, fundamental issues regarding ethnic conflict and the historical context of the crisis continue to persist as significant barriers to lasting peace in eastern DR Congo.

In conclusion, the M23 group’s ongoing recruitment efforts in Bukavu reflect a deepening crisis in DR Congo’s South Kivu Province. As the rebels integrate surrendered government troops and assert transparency in their actions, mounting violence complicates the humanitarian landscape. Regional tensions persist, further fueled by the involvement of neighboring states in the conflict, underscoring the necessity for a comprehensive dialogue.

Original Source: www.newtimes.co.rw