In occupied Bukavu city, groups of Congolese police officers who defected to the M23 rebel group gathered on Saturday, singing and clapping as they prepared for retraining under the authority of the Rwandan-backed rebels. The M23, determined to solidify its control, is sending a strong message of their intention to govern the region.
A week ago, M23 rebels advanced into the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo’s second-largest city, Bukavu, following the withdrawal of Congolese forces, which left the city vulnerable to looting and unrest. The rebels’ seizure of key areas in eastern Congo, including valuable mineral-rich zones, has stoked fears of a broader conflict, prompting the U.N. Security Council to demand a ceasefire and the withdrawal of M23 forces on Friday.
However, in Bukavu, there was no indication that the rebels were prepared to heed the U.N. call. Police officers, now wearing new uniforms and black berets, were told they would undergo a few days of training before returning to support the M23’s rule. “May you come back to us in good shape so that together we can continue to liberate our country,” said police commander Jackson Kamba.
Around 1,800 police officers have already defected and are set to be retrained, with an additional 500 expected to follow, according to Lawrence Kanyuka, spokesperson for the AFC rebel alliance, which includes the M23. The Congolese government has yet to comment on the situation.
Local residents voiced skepticism about the changes, with Josue Kayeye, a Bukavu resident, saying, “The M23’s arrival has paralyzed life in the area. Even though some activities are resuming, we cannot support anything done by force.”
Fighting Escalates on Multiple Fronts
Congolese forces are facing increasing pressure from rebels on several fronts. On Friday, a Tutsi militia allegedly allied with the M23 captured Minembwe town and its airfield in South Kivu. The militia’s leader, Colonel Makanika, was killed days earlier by a Congolese military drone.
East African defense chiefs met in Nairobi on Friday to discuss the escalating crisis. According to an internal report, the group noted the difficulty in understanding the full situation on the ground amidst M23’s continued occupation of major cities and airports. The report highlighted the need for direct negotiations between all parties involved, though Congo has repeatedly rejected talks with the M23.
The M23, led by ethnic Tutsis, is the latest of several Rwandan-backed groups operating in Congo, where they claim to represent Tutsi interests. Both the M23 and Rwanda deny accusations from Congo that they are merely a proxy force focused on looting the region’s resources, including gold and coltan.
