The tensions between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda continue to rise with both sides leveling accusations that have been fueling the delicate security situation in eastern DRC. Rwanda maintains that DRC has been actively sabotaging the regional efforts to find permanent and sustainable solutions mostly guided by the Luanda and Nairobi agreements. The blatant micro-aggression from both sides has left the East Africa Community frustrated especially as the cooperation of all nations is paramount in ensuring that all actors and especially the rebel groups adhere to the ceasefire agreement.
On January 30, the Congolese government expelled Rwandan military officers who worked in the headquarters of the regional force in Goma. The expulsion of Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) came just a few days after Rwanda shot at a DR Congo army jet for allegedly violating its airspace.
In DRC, defections of FARDC officers to M23 Rebels rank & file connected to the broader conflict between RDF & DRC have been reported. Military Intelligence in Goma reports show these officers were working for the expelled Rwandese Military Officers who were part of EACRF.
Leakage of battle plans and troops’ movement have been constantly leaked to M23 Rebels. In some instances, the leaks were meant to expose EACRF troops to enemy fire. Such contact accidents could stoke Military conflict of significant magnitude.
President Paul Kagame in a recent media interview said the M23 Rebels should cease fire and withdrawal as per the Regional Body recommendations. Kagame seems tired of the M23 Rebels’ burden. It is apparent that Kagame feels it is weakening his profile and exposing his political & Diplomatic clout. Domestically, he knows his authority is being questioned even if it is in small quarters, yet it’s such quarters that grow & emerge as significant threats to authority.
For a week now, the Congolese Military has been battling M23 Rebels at Kitchanga in Masisi. In 2013, deadly fighting burned Kitchanga almost entirely to the ground: revealing how much Kitchanga is connected to broader dynamics of conflict and violence in North Kivu, despite its marginal geolocation.
The M23 Rebels are holed up in hills with residential areas making it hard for FARDC to deploy the required firepower to dislodge the rebels. The FARDC is however determined to outgun the rebels and recapture the strategic transit village township.
Intelligence indicates that while on the surface the M23 (which Kinshasa accuses Kigali of funding and supporting) does not withdraw from locations as is dictated by the peace agreement and instead moves around from town to town stretching thin the military’s resources in the region.
Rwanda has alleged that Kinshasa continues to provide weapons to fight alongside illegal armed groups in eastern DRC, including the genocidaire militia, FDLR. The issue has especially been raised since DRC received weapons to strengthen the military from Turkey and the alleged presence of Russian Mercenaries.
The tensions and escalating aggression between the two neighbors have been greatly affecting regional peace and stability. The volatile nature of the conflict in eastern DRC is a matter that ought to be addressed both militarily and with apt political and socio-economic strategies that will foster the permanence of the solutions being sought to address it. The Luanda and Nairobi agreements spearheading the peace process are very delicate and are almost solely dependent on all sides ceasing fire and de-escalating the violence with the help of EACRF and oversight of the EA community to which both Rwanda and DRC are members.
