Soldiers from the Democratic Republic of the Congo praise Rwanda’s kindness after leaving their nation

Congolese troops have commended Rwanda’s generosity after fleeing the conflict with the AFC/M23 rebels in the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Following the rebels’ seizure of Goma, the capital of the North Kivu Province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, on January 27, at least 131 Congolese soldiers—among them a woman—as well as FDLR and Wazalendo sympathizers escaped to Rwanda and turned themselves in.

Rwanda’s ambassador-at-large to the Great Lakes Region, Vincent Karega, stated last week that Kigali will “never force” the scores of Congolese soldiers who escaped from battle with M23 rebels to return to the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Considering that the Congolese army coalition had shelled Rwandan territory [Rubavu District], killing at least 16 people, the Congolese soldiers testified that they had not anticipated any assistance from Rwanda when they fled, according to an interview with the local online publication Igihe.com.

According to the soldiers living in Rugerero Sector in Rubavu District, they are receiving good treatment and are provided with basic necessities like clothing, food, and bedding. They prepare their own meals, and medical personnel are there to provide appropriate treatment for those who are ill.

They also take part in leisure activities including conducting military parades and playing football.

According to testimony from one of these soldiers, Lt. Kasereka Tshombe, “We commend Rwanda for showing us hospitality peacefully.” We ask the Congolese authorities to assist us in peacefully returning to our homeland. In order to let our family members know we are safe, we also ask to be able to communicate with them.

One Congolese soldier claimed that they were unable to get to Goma airport when they first arrived in Rubavu following their defeat because the city was already “encircled by the enemy, who were shooting everywhere.” He claimed that before deciding to go to Rwanda, he applied for asylum with MONUSCO, the UN peacekeeping force in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but was turned away.

The rebels declared that they were prepared to train FARDC men to become a significantly superior professional force to what they are now after seizing Goma.

The AFC/M23 rebel movement’s political commander, Corneille Nangaa, reaffirmed that Congolese soldiers who were caught or surrendered on the battlefield should join their movement so they can receive training and integration as professional soldiers, if they so want.

Some people are prepared to join our movement. He said, “We are sending them for training.”

The fate of the roughly 3,000 additional Congolese soldiers who are presently in MONUSCO’s custody is unknown.

Following Goma’s seizure by M23 rebels, businesses, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions are all back to normal.

In comparison to the time before Goma was taken, locals report feeling safer, more secure, and more at peace.

The AFC/M23 named new North Kivu Province leaders on Wednesday. “There is a need and urgency to organize the territorial administration in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” the rebel leaders declared in an announcement.

AFC coordinator Corneille Nangaa and his deputy and M23 president, Bertrand Bisimwa, signed the announcement appointing Joseph Bahati Musanga as governor of North Kivu.