Crisis in DR Congo: M23 declares intention to march on Kinshasa

The AFC/M23 rebel group’s political leader, Corneille Nangaa, declared on January 30 that the group plans to keep marching in “liberation” toward the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kinshasa.

He was speaking to the journalists at the Serena Hotel Goma after Goma, the largest city in North Kivu, was taken earlier this week. Since assuming control of Goma, this was the group’s first significant briefing.

The two million-person city of Goma, which serves as a focal point for international military and humanitarian initiatives in the nation’s war-torn eastern area, was reportedly completely taken over by the rebel organization.

This came after fierce combat with the Congolese army (FARDC), the murderous FDLR, several armed groups, Burundian government troops, SADC forces, the Southern African regional grouping, and hundreds of European mercenaries.

A portion of the mercenaries turned themselves in and will be transported via air through Rwanda to Romania.

By Wednesday, the rebel group had established a firm grip on Goma, seizing critical locations like as the national radio and television offices, the airport, the maritime port, and the border with Rwanda.

“We intend to remain in Goma. Our nationality is Congolese. We will proceed to Kinshasa on the freedom march. Where do they want us to go when they want us to retreat? We’re not leaving.

According to Nangaa, the alliance leadership has appointed a group to revitalize the socioeconomic, humanitarian, financial, and infrastructure development of the area.

In response, he urged people to go back to their homes and carry on with their normal lives, adding that internet and electricity, which the Kinshasa administration had cut off, will be restored within the next 48 hours.

The group has participated in the repair of public infrastructure, such as schools, and has generally enjoyed positive relations with the local population in the territories they have taken.

Many inhabitants who had fled to the periphery were observed returning home on Tuesday as the calm returned to the town, which is located in northwest Rwanda and is only a short walk from Rubavu town.