M23 wants to speak with Kinshasa “directly”
The M23 rebels are part of the Congo River Alliance (AFC), which has demanded direct communication with the Congolese government since the rebels took control of Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu.
Following combat with the Congolese armed forces (FARDC) and its allies, especially the murderous FDLR, the rebels took control of Goma city on Monday, January 27.
The AFC/M23 rebels declared their plan to move on Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, after seizing Goma.
Rebel spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka issued a statement on Saturday, February 1, saying, “We reiterate our call for a sincere and direct dialogue with the Kinshasa regime to address the root causes of the conflict and establish lasting peace in our country.”
Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the people of Goma town “for their warm welcome and spirit of cooperation” with the rebel group, asking them to continue their everyday routines with assurance and tranquility.
The communiqué claims that the AFC/M23 wants the Congolese government to acknowledge the armed group’s dedication to defending civilians in regions under its control.
It is important to note that the government lacks the resources and capacity to attack these regions. “It would be fully responsible for the consequences if it tried to do so,” Kanyuka stated.
In addition, the M23 made a plea for the surrender of the Wazalendo militia combatants, police, and FARDC members, vowing to ensure their safety. It stressed that “these individuals are Congolese citizens and will not face any hostility from us” and asked locals who are housing these people to urge them to put down their weapons.
After over ten years of dormancy, the M23 rebel organization reappeared in November 2021 and has since drawn attention from across the world for seizing territory in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The club, according to Kanyuka, is dedicated to finding a “peaceful solution” to the conflict, which dates back more than thirty years.
